More than 100 artisans launch gift-giving season at Novemberfest
November 26th, 2011 Posted in Arts and LifeBy Kristi Ottley
LOGAN – Lively music, spectacular entertainment, and tantalizing food and goodies contributed to the traditional Christmas atmosphere that was present during the two-day Novemberfest Arts and Craft fair.
“Novemberfest is a kickoff for the community to a traditional Christmas,” said founder and Logan resident Charlene Watts.
This year marked the 28th year for the fair. Watts founded Novemberfest in 1984 from a desire to give artisans a unique opportunity to sell their wares as well as to give holiday shoppers a homey atmosphere to do their shopping in.
“I know a lot of talented people, and that was really the whole idea behind it,” said Watts.
With a lot of hard work and help from her husband and two friends, Watts was able to start the fair that has became a traditional kick-off to the holidays for Cache Valley. It happens every year on the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving.
“I love seeing people that I know,” said food vendor Tennille Boseman. “It has become a tradition for a lot of people in Cache Valley to attend the show. The music, sights, and smells get me really excited for Christmas.”
There were 108 different booths, some of which had multiple vendors in the booths. Over the years Novemberfest has gotten more and more popular and the process for applying to run a booth in the fair starts as early as April, said Watts.
“We really do get a good variety of vendors, offering a wide range of items and gifts,” Watts said.
The fair features many different booths by both local and a few out of state vendors. This year booths showcasing jewelry were extremely popular, as well as hand-sewn and crocheted hats, hair bands, scarves and hair bows.
“I think shoppers find a good, good variety at the fair,” said Watts. “You can find things at Novemberfest that are handcrafted, that you will obviously never find anywhere else. A lot of time handcrafted items have more meaning.”
This was the fourth year Suzie Stones has had a booth in Novemberfest featuring original handcrafted jewelry that she designs in a studio in her own home. All of the jewelry is designed and made by Stones. Her jewelry business is called Cave.
“I use only quality construction methods and quality raw materials,” said Stones. “I have a very diverse product line and sell jewelry ranging in price from $1 to $250. I pride myself that I offer a nice gift or jewelry item for almost every price range and style.”
Stones and her daughter, Liz Williams, run the business together. Williams helps with the marketing and jewelry design ideas, as well as designs for woolen and textile gifts that were also available for purchase at the fair. In addition to jewelry, Cave also features beaded candles, letter openers and bookmarks, said Stones. You can check out www.cavecreations.etsy.com and www.lizzylous.etsy.com to learn more about their businesses and product offerings.
“It [Novemberfest] is a great atmosphere to get into the Christmas spirit, and there is such a variety of booths that I truly believe that there is something for everyone,” Boseman said.
AnnMaree Montgomery of College Ward has had a booth in Novemberfest on and off for about five years. This year she actually ran two different booths. The Usborne Books and More booth she runs offers educational books for children. Her second booth was Perfectly Posh which offers a variety of products from lotions to essential oils for pampering yourself.
“Every child should get a book for Christmas and have the joy of discovering the world within that book,” said Montgomery. “Every Mom should be given a chance to pamper herself and get a little break from life.”
Many booths featuring delicious holiday goodies were also present. Shoppers had their choice of homemade fudge, toffee, desserts, peppermint bark, cupcakes and breads. Cinnamon-flavored almonds and pecans, and freshly made kettle corn were also available for purchase.
Lunch and snack options were available at the Home-Cooked Comforts food booth ran by Cody and Tennille Boseman. The booth featured a wide variety of appetizing food choices including pulled pork sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, pizza, nachos, and chili.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were the performances put on by dancers and singers. Novemberfest features entertainment by local dance and vocal groups throughout both days, said Watts.
“The fair is a great place to find those one of a kind gifts,” said Montgomery. “It is more fun to give a unique gift than the same thing everyone else is giving.”
Watts estimates that about 4,500 people come out to Novemberfest during the two days.
NW
Tags: Arts, crafts, fair, holiday, Novemberfest
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