The Bella Coola Valley Arts Council held their annual Arts and Craft Fair on November 24 and 25 at Lobelco Hall. The hall was packed with 29 vendors. Over 400 people shopped among the variety of homemade and hand crafted goods.
Due to space, vendors were limited to eight feet of booth space, lending to creative vertical displays of original merchandise. Booths are judged for their decor. Helga Kaiser’s stained glass display won first prize and Savannah Spark’s glittering booth of crystal and copper wall hangings came in second.
By the end of the weekend, total sales were up from last year by almost 30%, and the popular lasagna dinner was a huge success, up by 15%.
Santa Claus arrived on Sunday afternoon. He hoho’d around the hall walking around the booths before settling down in his chair up on stage. Children were able to tell Santa their Christmas wishes while parents took their photographs.
Kathleen Booth, new B.C.V. Arts Council president commented, “This event was a huge success thanks to everyone, with a special note to Sheila Wilson and Pauline Russell. Without their extraordinary organizational and planning, this event would not have been as successful. I am simply amazed at how everyone stepped up with such energy and got everything done. A big ‘bravo’ to all!”
The B.C.V. Arts Council is always welcoming new members. Your ideas and efforts are what bring these events and projects to the community. If you would like be more active in the arts community, or have an idea you would like to bring to reality, please contact Kathleen Booth at kathleeninbellacoola@gmail.com.