In a struggling economy, some say craft fairs are fading in popularity. But in Northwest Arkansas, War Eagle Craft Fair visitors say money-saving "staycations" mean craft fair attendance is on the rise.
The largest craft fair in Arkansas began as a small weaving guild display, in War Eagle, Arkansas. Katie Templin is a fair organizer this year. She is the great-granddaughter of Blanche Elliott, whom Templin says started the War Eagle Fair. "It kind of started as a way for Ozark crafters to display their works on a dying market." The economy may be down, but shoppers like Michael Garrison say the market for crafts is exploding. "How can you miss this War Eagle Craft Fair? It's an important event for Northwest Arkansas." Beaver, Arkansas resident Renee Pennington agrees. "It's good for the economy because you can buy really unique gifts, get good prices." Joan Johnson has been looking over the wares all weekend long, despite the rain. "I've been crafting every day, and of course, I enjoyed today much better because of the weather." Springdale resident Mandy Moore has been coming for years, but says the parking situation shows plenty of people are "crafting" this fall. "It's busier this year than it has been in the past cause we've had to park way further away than we normally do." And Aaron Wilson says he drove in all the way from Kansas for a special find: "I bought a teapot for my tea, and I bought some honey." But youngster Shad Marucheck is more interested in munching on fresh corn-on-the-cob, instead of shopping for crafts. "I have to say, it's roasted, it's got a lot of butter on it, garlic pepper." Kettlecorn Cooker Subbe Bemis tells 5News the secret to the salty-sweet snack: "sugar, salt, soybean oil, popcorn...and a whole lot of love." Bemis says despite rain, he made a profit. "It was a little soggy when we set up, but you know, people treaded out here and they enjoyed it." As the fair wrapped up, vendors lined up to pay a commission fee. But no one complained. Vendor Tiffany Prosise of Houston says the cold was worse than the commission. "It was a cheap fee for the booth itself, so I guess they get the rest from the commission sales. We "fared" out pretty well, so that's exciting." Vendor Gloria Lurry says, "we did better this year than we did last year, and that was surprising because of the economy." In all, Templin says,"everyone is saying they had a pretty good show. I think we're the best in the state, haa!" And weaver Barry Jepson brings his whole family, to sell and camp. "It's a family event. We just have a lot of fun. It's a good show!" The Jepson family is one of many crafters here. They're packing up to head home, and say it was a successful year so they're coming back next year, for another go.
Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival Director Misty Baker says despite rain, they had a great turnout. The Ole Applegate Festival was cancelled this fall, but organizers say it will return next year, as the Mulberry Mountain Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.
The largest craft fair in Arkansas began as a small weaving guild display, in War Eagle, Arkansas. Katie Templin is a fair organizer this year. She is the great-granddaughter of Blanche Elliott, whom Templin says started the War Eagle Fair. "It kind of started as a way for Ozark crafters to display their works on a dying market." The economy may be down, but shoppers like Michael Garrison say the market for crafts is exploding. "How can you miss this War Eagle Craft Fair? It's an important event for Northwest Arkansas." Beaver, Arkansas resident Renee Pennington agrees. "It's good for the economy because you can buy really unique gifts, get good prices." Joan Johnson has been looking over the wares all weekend long, despite the rain. "I've been crafting every day, and of course, I enjoyed today much better because of the weather." Springdale resident Mandy Moore has been coming for years, but says the parking situation shows plenty of people are "crafting" this fall. "It's busier this year than it has been in the past cause we've had to park way further away than we normally do." And Aaron Wilson says he drove in all the way from Kansas for a special find: "I bought a teapot for my tea, and I bought some honey." But youngster Shad Marucheck is more interested in munching on fresh corn-on-the-cob, instead of shopping for crafts. "I have to say, it's roasted, it's got a lot of butter on it, garlic pepper." Kettlecorn Cooker Subbe Bemis tells 5News the secret to the salty-sweet snack: "sugar, salt, soybean oil, popcorn...and a whole lot of love." Bemis says despite rain, he made a profit. "It was a little soggy when we set up, but you know, people treaded out here and they enjoyed it." As the fair wrapped up, vendors lined up to pay a commission fee. But no one complained. Vendor Tiffany Prosise of Houston says the cold was worse than the commission. "It was a cheap fee for the booth itself, so I guess they get the rest from the commission sales. We "fared" out pretty well, so that's exciting." Vendor Gloria Lurry says, "we did better this year than we did last year, and that was surprising because of the economy." In all, Templin says,"everyone is saying they had a pretty good show. I think we're the best in the state, haa!" And weaver Barry Jepson brings his whole family, to sell and camp. "It's a family event. We just have a lot of fun. It's a good show!" The Jepson family is one of many crafters here. They're packing up to head home, and say it was a successful year so they're coming back next year, for another go.
Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival Director Misty Baker says despite rain, they had a great turnout. The Ole Applegate Festival was cancelled this fall, but organizers say it will return next year, as the Mulberry Mountain Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.
