Assumption craft fair draws devoted following, rain or shine

Nov, 16-2009 2:57 pm

By JOAN KOSTIUK
Staff Writer

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP – Through rain and shine, the Assumption Regional Catholic School craft fair brought out the multitudes Nov. 14 and 15.

Foot traffic was steady throughout a drizzly Saturday and an unseasonably warm Sunday that got warmer as the day wore on. Organizers and vendors said they were pleased with the turnout.

Whereas Saturday shoppers dodged puddles and an off-and-on drizzle, by Sunday the cafeteria doors were thrown open wide and people lingered outside to chat, enjoying the break after days of huddling under raincoats and umbrellas. Teens in shirtsleeves tossed around a football and milled about on the grass.

The fair featured dozens of crafters offering everything from gourmet dog biscuits to embroidered patchwork writing journals that were intricate pieces of art.

Now in its 20th year, it’s an annual affair with many of the vendors returning year after year to show their wares.

Mother-daughter duo Vivian Spadea and Cheri Remlein are regulars at the Assumption show and other local fairs. They sell their hand-painted glassware under the name Precious Petals and were displaying some of their new designs.

Vivian, who lives in the Smithville section of the township, and Cheri of Port Republic, also teach glass painting at their Smithville studio.

Many vendors said sales were brisk.

Lilliann Marchiani of Margate, who was selling scarves and jewelry, said she would have to replenish her stock for the Charity League Christmas Mart set for this coming weekend at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point.

“I’ve sold out of all that style,” she told a customer who had returned to her Lilli’s Accessories table Sunday to buy a few more of the scarves she had purchased as gifts the day before.

The Assumption craft show is a major fundraiser for the elementary school. In addition to selling table space to vendors, the PTA raises money by selling food, 50-50 and Chinese raffle tickets, and offering sand art, photos with Santa and a kids $1 craft table.

Recent graduate Craig Mendillo of Galloway Township, who stopped at the snack window to buy a pretzel, said the event brings the community together for a good cause, and the socializing is an extra bonus.

“I get to see all my old friends,” Mendillo said. “I’m an alumni from here.”

Robin McLaughlin of Galloway, who was among the many volunteers manning the kitchen Sunday, said it looked to be another successful show.

“We’ve been busy. Business has been great both days,” McLaughlin said.