Sixth annual craft fair at Artesia Oct. 24 – 25

An early Christmas shopping event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25 in the Artesia Community Center on the south side of Pahrump. It also includes a bake sale.

Over 30 vendors from the local community will display their homemade crafts for sale, including wooden Christmas decorations, large table-top Santa houses and tree trimmings.

Gift ideas also include hand-crafted home decorations, bird houses, homemade kitchen items, baby quilts and pillow covers.

In addition, jewelry, soaps and lotions, homemade decorative pens, scarves and shawls will be offered. Pet owners will be able to purchase gifts for their four-legged friends.

All baked goods are homemade and include pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, breads and candies. The goods include lots of individual bakery items and larger quantities for family sharing. They have all been donated by the Artesia community residents. Prices range from 50 cents to $15.

Lunch is available for $3 to $3.50 each. It includes selections such as hot dogs with the works, chili, or chicken sandwiches. All lunch combos come with chips and a drink.

There’s a raffle with over 40 items donated by the vendors. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Separate tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be offered. The drawing will take place Saturday at 2:30 p.m. It’s not necessary to be present to win.

Lavonne Suzuki, the committee chairperson said, “The crafters spend months creating the perfect gifts for the special people in your life.”

Marianne Weiazinger, the secretary of the committee, said, “The fair has become very popular with the public over the years because of the quality of the crafts. We are asked, quite often, when we are having the next one. The vendors’ spaces were all reserved and fees paid the first week the applications were being accepted.”

The proceeds from this event are given to KNYE Radio. Owner, Karen Jackson has had listeners calling the station before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jackson said, “They let the station know of families who are less fortunate but are too proud to ask for help. I then go out and purchase a full dinner for those families and have it delivered to their homes. The recipients are not informed in advance.”

Suzuki stated, “The fair is just one of the many functions the committee sponsors with the help of neighbors and friends from all over the valley.”

Suzuki continued, “We sponsor an Easter egg hunt each year and invite Floyd and Hafen elementary kindergartners to participate. We also do a Christmas with Santa and invite our younger school friends from Floyd Elementary one year and Hafen the next. We wish we could do both each year but there are too many to accommodate at one time.”

Floyd Elementary has a turkey trot every year for Thanksgiving. The committee furnishes the water and snacks for the event.

Weiazinger comented, “This is an opportunity for people to buy gifts that are not the run-of-the-mill presents and, at the same time, help support our community outreach programs.”

The Artesia Community Center is located at 6601 S. Fox Ave. For information call Lavonne at 775-537-1868.

Contact Creag Rowland by emailing creag.pvtimes@gmail.com.