Craft fair a success

If the crowds were any indication, then it was obvious the Golden Hour Senior Center's Christmas Craft Fair was a success.

Both Friday and Saturday the center was over flowing with people trying to get a head start on Christmas shopping. The center raised $7,643.38.

"It went really well," executive director Beth Whitman said. "We were really pleased."

Whitman said the vendors attending the event told her this craft fair is one of their favorites.

Activities director Megan Brown said the vendors said they had sold more this year than last year, which is saying a lot since most considered last year's fair a success.

During both days, the center made sure to provide live entertainment. Friday evening Dance Unlimited performed and on Saturday the Monroe Intermediate School Choir and GHSC line dancers took to the stage.

Brown said although the attendees really enjoyed the entertainment, this is an area she would like to see improved next year. She said she would like to find more groups to provide entertainment.

As for the booths, Whitman and Brown were both impressed with everything the fair had to offer. Brown said several booths had baked goods, while others had crafts, jewelry, candles, bears, wooden toys and cosmetics; and much more.

Once again, the center's kitchen food was a hit. Brown said people were waiting in line for 15 to 20 minutes to order soup in a bread bowl. French onion and Wisconsin cheese were the most popular.

Another area Brown would like to improve upon is offering breakfast food for the vendors. Since Saturday's show was from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., some of the vendors showed up hungry and the center didn't offer any breakfast items. Other than that, the vendors were happy.

Whitman said the GHSC employees made it a point to visit the vendors during the lunch hours and see if they wanted anything to eat. A lot of times the vendors cannot leave the booth. The employees made sure food was brought to the vendors who paid and wanted some.

Improving the overall tone of the event, was something Brown wanted to look into. She said it would be nice to have Christmas music playing in every room next year.

Brown wanted to thank all the vendors and all of those who attended the event. She said without the community's support the event would not be the success it is today.