Arts and crafts fair a wash but not a wash-out
Staff reporter
Well, Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday wasn't the best show ever produced but it was the best under adverse conditions.
Exhibitors and shoppers braved the elements and made the best of it.
A steady rain with 50-degree temperatures and a stiff wind made the day a challenge even for seasoned veterans. A few vendors decided to stay home but most came as anticipated.
According to director Christy Wulf, 332 vendors had planned to attend and there were some who didn't set up because of the weather.
"The crowd was about half of what we normally have," Wulf said. "However, with the weather as it was, we still are pleased with the turnout."
Sales estimates indicated a decrease from previous years but those who braved the elements did so to spend money and buy items, Wulf said.
In the 38-year history of the arts and crafts fair, it has never rained all day.
"It had rained on two other fairs but only for an hour or so," Wulf said, "nothing like this past Saturday."
With water running down gutters and people huddled in blankets and rain gear, the 2007 fair will be memorable.
Local organizations use this fair as an annual fund-raiser for their groups but with only a fraction of customers buying their goods, some of those organizations may have to consider another fund-raiser.
Many downtown retailers had commented prior to the fair that the weather sometimes dictated their success of the day — the hotter or wetter the weather, the better the sales. With the constant rain and cool temperatures, some downtown businesses reported record sales while most were pleased with the day's profits.
After the cold, wet day outdoors, most volunteers, vendors, and shoppers were relieved when the day was over and they could retreat to warm homes.
"We're glad die-hard shoppers came out and enjoyed the fair," Wulf said.
