The Alexander Findley Community Library Fall Craft Fair has been an “unofficial kickoff” to the Christmas season in Findley Lake for decades.

“It’s been part of the Fall Season in Findley Lake for well over 20 years . . . probably more like 30,” said Library Manager Cala Glatz about the Alexander Findley Community Library Fall Craft Show.

This year’s Fall Craft Fair will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Findley Lake Fire Hall on Main Street. Glatz said the event was started by the Women’s Auxiliary as a fundraiser for the Findley Lake Fire Hall. “About a decade ago, the library inherited the event, under the condition that we didn’t make any changes to it, including the menu,” Glatz said.

The 2023 Fall Craft Show will feature more than 30 tables of crafts, as well as homemade food and pie, a 50/50 raffle, and a vendor auction. “I think people come back year after year because it’s a great cause. Folks love to help support the library, especially if they have a chance at winning a prize or a raffle, and especially if there is pie involved!” said Glatz.

Glatz elaborated on the challenges of planning the menu.

“The menu was inherited as part of the event,” she said. “At one point, I’m told, the board did make a different kind of soup, but apparently even that small change was enough to ruffle some feathers, so they went back to the traditional chicken noodle.”

Glatz said the entire menu has varied very little over the years. “About the only thing on the menu that changes are the kinds of pies that are donated, because that just depends on who is making them,” she said. “But who knows, maybe someday we’ll get wild and add a new dish!”

While there is no special theme for this year’s fair, Glatz noted that many of the crafters offer festive fall and Christmas items. “The craft fair, I feel, is sort of an unofficial kick-off to the beginning of the town’s holiday season,” she said. “Locals and people just passing through stop by to see friends and family, and to get a head start on holiday shopping.”

Glatz said there are 21 vendors this year, with more than 30 tables of crafts. While most of the vendors return every fall, there are a few new ones this year.

“We do have a couple new vendors this year, and a couple we haven’t had in a while,” said Glatz. “But we also have the staples that people have come to expect and look for, many of whom have been part of the event since before the library took it over.”

Glatz said that many people return, not just to support the library, but because they know they will be able to find items that aren’t available anywhere else. “Many people come back because their favorite crafters are there and they know they will be able to find items they love,” Glatz said. “It also helps that there are so many local businesses all around downtown that folks can walk to and enjoy.”

Furthermore, Glatz said she personally enjoys meeting the crafters and seeing their wares. “I like meeting the different crafters and seeing all the fun ideas they come up with, and I love seeing so many of our wonderful library patrons out and about, too,” she said.

“I’m so glad we have so many kind, generous, and supportive patrons and townsfolk. We are very fortunate!”