VALLE VISTA — The Valle Vista Spring Craft Fair once again drew residents from across the area on Saturday, offering a showcase of local talent while raising funds to support community projects.
In small, outlying communities like Valle Vista, events such as this fair serve as a unifying force. Committee member Julia Schlaht said the gathering helps neighbors connect in ways that last long after the booths are packed up.
“People have booths next to each other. They get to know each other, exchange business cards so you can call them later,” she said. “We have a lot of talented people out here, a lot of retirees that have time to make things, donate their time and stuff for people.”
Beyond the social benefits, the fair plays a key role in supporting local activities and improvements. Schlaht said proceeds from the event are reinvested directly into the community.
“We take the proceeds and we apply it to things in the community,” she said. “We put on bands and hoedowns, and we’re working real hard on the fireworks committee to afford to have fireworks this year. We also help people out in the community.”
Among the 57 vendors was Arlyn Turner, a longtime attendee who participated as a seller for the first time. Surrounded by family and friends, Turner said the encouragement of loved ones finally pushed her to share her creations with the public.
“I have always crafted as a kid. I was always trying to do stuff. I always wanted to make stuff,” she said. “I have not marketed anything I’ve made. It’s all gone to family and friends for the last 10 years. They all said I should be charging them, and I said, ‘Okay, then we’ll try a craft fair.”
Turner added that after her successful debut, she plans to take part in more events in the near future.
The fair transformed the normally golf‑filled grounds of the Valle Vista Golf Course, where the parking lot—typically packed with golfers—was instead filled with visitors browsing handmade goods under clear spring skies.
Allen Scott
