Carol Beynen, shown on the right in the photo, owner of Grammy B’s Crafts, has been an exhibitor at the Confederation Winter Fair every year since it began 20 years ago. This year was no exception.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” declared Carol. “This is one of the best craft fairs of the year. The exhibitors are mostly local people who have a real love for what they do and it is like a reunion every December when we get together for this show. I attend most of the others every fall, but this one is my favourite. That’s why I have been here all these years.”

Helping Carol was Theresa Russell, on the left.

Winter Fair co-ordinators for the past ten years, Barb Parker and Donald Lamarche, were pleased with the turnout. “We have been averaging anywhere between 1200 and 1500 people over the past years, and it appears as if the attendance is pretty well at the same level this year again,” explained Lamarche.

Lamarche is a teacher in the French Immersion Program which is a major beneficiary of the proceeds of the Winter Fair. “The Grade 12 and OAC students will be heading over to France and Italy in March on an educational trip. The students are all out volunteering this afternoon to help run the Fair and have done a lot of preparatory work.”

Parker, who teaches Outdoor Education and Art, indicated that the other share of the proceeds is used to fund tournament entry fees in the Athletics Department.

The Confederation Winter Fair is one of the last craft shows before Christmas in the district, but it has a reputation for being the one which offers the most variety for visitors. Everything from crafts to baking goods are available at prices which are very reasonable. In fact, many of the visitors have attended the Winter Fair year after year for as long as they can remember.

“I often have people coming up to me looking for something that a friend bought from me in previous years,” stated Beynen. “I always try to have plenty of ‘old’ crafts available, but I also try to add some new pieces every year as well.”

For Beynen, as well as many of the other 75 crafters at the event, preparation for the Fall Craft Show Season begins in January of each year. “I will begin in January and you will see me always doing some sewing or creating from that time on. I will go to meetings or be sitting in the doctor’s office and I will take out my sewing and take advantage of the time. For me, though, it is my form of relaxation. I love what I do and wouldn’t have it any other way.”