YMCA Crafts Fair Another Success

The Virginia Tech YMCA held its 38th annual Crafts Fair at the University Mall in Blacksburg last weekend. The fair showcased over 70 juried crafters and artisans from eight states, including Virginia.

Although a final total was still being calculated on Monday, Terri Lynn Howard, YMCA special events director, estimated that the fair earned approximately $21,000 to help support the YMCA’s community outreach and leadership programs.

“This fair will probably earn about the same as last year,” Howard said.

“The fair was a success. Many customers commented on the quality and variety of vendors. We have worked hard to have truly handmade quality crafts in the fair,” Howard said.

Even though some factors such as the cold weather and the Virginia Tech football game against Florida State on Saturday did affect shoppers, Howard still said, “there were always people shopping.”     

Howard also said that even though there was a new free parking garage at the University Mall, people still seemed hesitant to use it. This meant that parking was still difficult at times.

Despite these factors though, many shoppers came out to enjoy the exciting atmosphere at the fair as well as to browse the arts and crafts and to support the YMCA.

 “I just love how the YMCA does their Crafts Fair each year. I think it’s great for the community and I can always find Christmas gifts for my family,” said Stephanie Worthington, a Virginia Tech student shopping at the fair.

Vendors filled every spot in the University Mall selling everything from pottery, soaps and candles, jewelry, metal works, glassworks, woodworks, art, furniture, photography and more.

Even though the fair may have been a bit crowded at times, it was well organized and there were many volunteers helping out.

“There’s such an incredible amount of volunteers and the people here are so friendly and helpful. The community spirit here is just incredible,” said vendor Priscilla Houliston.

 Houliston had traveled to the fair from Pennsylvania with her husband, Morton, to sell sea glass pendants made from sea glass collected in Scotland.    

Many vendors seemed to enjoy being at the fair just as much as the shoppers.

“I love to come up here and do this fair,” said Rick Radman of Wytheville, Va. “People really seem to appreciate my stuff.”

Radman was at the fair for his fourth year selling yard art he made from recycled farm tools, yard tools and farm machinery.   

Bill and Corinne Graefe were at the fair selling hardwood furniture from Floyd, Va. Bill Graefe said, “Blacksburg is a good town … people really appreciate the one of a kind pieces.”

For Victoria Whorley, who was at the fair for her second year selling realistic watercolor paintings, the best part was, “Seeing all the other crafters and meeting nice people.”

Overall, the Crafts Fair seemed to be an enjoyable event for all those involved, and Howard believed that the fair was a success, not only for the YMCA, but also for the customers and the vendors alike.