Art and Craft Fair creates memories
Thousands attend annual event in RipleyBy CHRISTINA BRIGHT, cbright@newsandsentinel.com
Article Photos
RIPLEY - Memories are as much a part of the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair as the artisans and their talents.
The fair started 45 years ago for the state's centennial celebration to help establish an artisans guild, but has evolved into much more. Greg Atkinson of the fair board said. In recent years more family and interactive events have been big draws for fair goers, he said.
"With all the choices of entertainment and activities available, people don't just want to be entertained but want to make memories as well," Atkinson said.
New this year have been the interactive booths were participants can meet the artisans, get a lesson in a heritage craft and create their own for free. Atkinson said those booths have been well received this year.
Part of the appeal is that people can feel a connection to their ancestors who used those same skills every day and provides them a keepsake that could be handed down to their grandchildren, he said.
The interactive artists are supported by a grant from the state Department of Education.
For children, one interactive experience allows them to create storycards with authors and illustrators Martin and Delia Bowman Wach. After creating the storycards, the children can keep them as a memento of the fair or trade them with other children.
Also new this year was the Firecracker Chili Cook-Off, an International Chili Society sanctioned event held Saturday afternoon.
Eight chili-makers entered this year's competition and and according to officials, five of them have competed at the world championships previously.
The fair was "thrilled to host this contest,'' fair board President Jean Smith said.
The winner, who will represent the Firecracker Chili Cook-off at the next regional competition, was Chuck Hoff of Columbus. Second and third place finishes went to Tanya Simmon of Milton, W.Va., and Matt Bush of Greenwood, W.Va.,respectively. People's Choice winner was Kevin Simmons.
Also held with the chili cook-off was a salsa competition.
Angela Deiss of Scott Depot, W.Va., took top honors and will represent the fair at the world championships.
Tied for second place were Janet Smith of Fairmont and Barbara Brumfield of Point Pleasant. Carolyn Blakemore won the cornbread contest in the traditional category. Taking second was Jim McClung. Blakemore also took second in the non-traditional category to Roger Porter's entry.
But with the evolution of the fair, artisans remain the heart and soul of the event. In fact, an new Artisans Relief Fund has been established to aid artists at the fair who may have emergencies and need some financial assistance.
Saturday also saw a live auction of donated items from artisans the proceeds of which will benefit that Artisans Relief Fund.
Atkinson said including the new activities and events is important, but none of the new is included at the expense of the tradition of the fair.
"We still have the same quality and quantity of artisans," he said. "But it has become more a celebration of all that is Appalachian. Despite that evolution, the core of the fair is still the artisans."
The fair will wrap today at 5 p.m.
Gates open at 9 a.m. Parking is free. Among the highlights today are the Youth Fishing Derby which begins at 1 p.m. and music from the Mountain Fury Band.
