- Last Updated on Monday, 28 November 2016 18:11
By Jill Brown
The Holiday Craft Fair, hosted by the Charleroi Area Historical Society, was held at the Riverside Place Senior Center on November 5 and 6, 2016. The holiday event had something great for everyone, and while it got off to a slow start, the crowd picked up as the day went on. This was their first year for the craft fair.
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| Terri Novak and Patty Wilhelm of Balloon Girlz says they “love to put a smile on kids’ faces.” |
Ken Thompson, President of CAHS Program Committee, said, “The quality of the items are high. Most of the crafters are seasoned vendors. This basically is what you can experience here: Pictures with Santa, face-painting, and balloon artists. Those three [vendors] are contributing some of their proceeds to the historical society. We also have the silent auction.”
The fair included: Handmade beautiful jewelry, crocheted baby clothing, pot holders, game blankets, candles, hand-sewn sweatshirts, and lamps. Some of the auction items included a Hoss’s gift basket, coffee basket, Christmas basket, Steelers basket, and restaurant gift certificates. In all there were 16 auction items. Food for sale included a menu of hot dogs, donuts, and drinks.
Jim Schoaf from Belle Vernon worked as Santa Claus at the event. He is married with four boys he calls his “pride and joy.” Working as Santa, he said, “I try to reach out to the world as much as I can. I’ve been blessed over the years, and that’s why I reach out to the little ones and do what I can.”
Brenda Koval, owner of BK Cottage Crafts, said, “If you shop local, that money is going to benefit the Valley. So, we’re happy [the public] came out today.”
For more information on the Charleroi Area Historical Society, you may like them on Facebook. CAHS is located at 807 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi.
