ARCOLA - The Arcola Trade and Craft Show saw a tremendous turnout this year, with 74 vendors highlighting their goods and attracting over 1,200 visitors.
Held at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex on Sept. 14, the event highlighted a wide range of products, from handcrafted jewelry and home décor, to baked goods, clothing and artisanal gifts.
The large number of visitors underscored the show’s significance as a major event for the town, drawing in people from surrounding areas eager to explore the variety of crafts and trade items on display.
The vendors, a mix of local artisans and businesses, provided a diverse array of offerings, ensuring there was something for everyone.
Many vendors returned this year but there were also some new ones, and there is always a waiting list for those wanting to get in on the action.
In addition to the crafts and goods, the show offered a lively atmosphere, and offered a concession filled with many items.
The school community council at Arcola School looked after the canteen again this year.
This year the committee hired the Arcola Optimist Club to help them with setting up and tearing down, as this is a huge undertaking.
In the hall, the committee had a play area for the kids, which included bouncy castles, allowing parents and grandparents to shop at their leisure.
Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the continued enthusiasm from both the vendors and attendees.
Gwen Taylor took over the show in 2010 and she was pretty happy with the event.
“We had a lot of great reviews from the show,” said Taylor. “It is a lot of hard work, but so worth it.”
