The annual Holiday Harvest Craft Fair will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbian School, 800 Grace Ave., in La Junta.
A variety of crafters will have their products on hand for early holiday shopping. Breakfast and lunch will also be available.
The following is an interview with event organizers Phyllis Bomar and Carole McVicker:
Q: How many years has the craft fair been running?
A: A skeletal fair was held in the old lunch room of Columbian for a year or two and we base the life of Holiday Harvest on the completion of the gymnasium, or 22 years.
Q: Has it always been held at Columbian School?
A: Yes
Q: How long have you been involved with the craft fair?
A: Phyllis began in 1990 and Carole stepped in in 1995.
Q: Were you the original developers of the idea? If so, why did you think it was important to have such an event?
A: No, (former Columbian Elementary) Principal Ron Nordin developed the idea along with Linda Root. The idea was to have funds to support author visits for Columbian students.
Q: Why has the craft fair continued to be successful throughout the years?
A: The fair is successful because it has a good base, it supports a great cause and helps the local crafters. Local shoppers know that they can buy unique items.
Q: I'm sure there have been "fads" that were very popular at the time. What are some of your favorite items that were sold? What are some of the strangest, unusual, etc., items sold?
A: The first item I remember are the necklaces made from a strip of bandana and stuffed with marbles. That woman sold every one she brought. Our Canon City potter was very popular and shoppers still ask for him. There are jewelers, candle makers, and holiday crafters who have been with the fair for years.
Q: What is your best memory from a craft show?
A: Carole and Phyllis both had to run home after the fair and help their daughters dress for the Hi Teens Formal! Watching friends shop together or reconnect and preparing for the Holiday Season.
Q: Any other information you would like to provide?
A: There are other people who work behind the scenes, including our husbands, Macky Valdez and Debbie Bogner from the Intermediate School, Sam Ramirez, our janitor, and past workers Linda Root and Cindy Marshall.
