When the Hannah's Hope event committee had the idea for the inaugural craft and vendor fair, they all thought it would be a great way to expand their following coming off a very successful golf outing earlier in the summer. The local nonprofit welcomed 30 local vendors and crafters to offer up some early holiday shopping to around 200 attendees. Nobody could have predicted that over the next decade, their small idea of a craft show would become what it is today. This Saturday, November 9th, the 10th annual Hannah's Hope craft and vendor fair will host over 150 booths for an anticipated 1,500 shoppers to come start their holiday shopping all while supporting a great cause. Megan Minter, Hannah's Hope vice-president and event coordinator for this year's event, stated how excited she was to see how far the show has come, " To be able to be a part of something bigger than yourself is amazing. When I think about the fact that we have filled the Portage High School Fieldhouse to capacity, it is very humbling. There are so many kids who will be able to benefit from the proceeds of our show."
There are numerous activities that are taking place at the show this year besides just great deals and shopping. For the second consecutive year, kids 12 and under have the opportunity to decorate and take home their very own gingerbread house. All of the gingerbread houses and delicious treats to decorate them were generously donated by Albanese Confectionery. This was a very popular event last year, and Hannah's Hope decided to bring it back again not realizing that it would sell out in a matter of 3 days. Minter added how important it is to have the support of local businesses involved with this event.
"The support and generosity of organizations and businesses such as Albanese allows us to be successful year after year. They not only put smiles on the kids that are sitting down Saturday to decorate the gingerbread houses but indirectly put even bigger smiles on the kids and families that Hannah's Hope are able to help reach milestones that are so critical to their development."
This year's craft fair will also once again be hosting a kids and canvas painting class (also sold out!!) in the afternoon. There will also once again be an appearance by Santa Claus himself beginning at 1:00 pm, so be sure to bring your little ones and a camera for a great photo opportunity. Other activities happening throughout the day will include a bake sale, lunch, making your very own Christmas ornament, and the return of the famous Cookie Crawl. The first 500 shopper will receive a reusable shopping bags with some goodies already inside the bag.
Everyone at Hannah's Hope is very excited to see all the smiling faces again this year. The event is November 9th from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm at the Portage High School Fieldhouse (Door D). Admission is $1.00 and all proceeds will benefit Hannah's Hope. For more information regarding the event, please visit their website at www.hannahshope.org or visit the Hannah's Hope event page on Facebook.