The scent of fresh candles and sizzling food drifted through rows of colorful booths as crowds gathered Saturday for Midlands Crafter's Association Spring Arts & Crafts Show, where artisans from across South Carolina and beyond turned a local market into a celebration of creativity and community.
The show took place on Saturday, March 21 and had 150 vendors, offering everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to specialty foods and home goods.
Mary Ocker, a vendor at the event, said the event allows for small businesses to showcase their creations to the public. Ocker and her husband live in Lexington, South Carolina and make birdhouses as a retirement project. She said the business grew considerably since they started participating in the show.
Another one of the food small businesses featured was Chocolate Freaking Bacon, owners John McCormack and his wife Jen, who is a chocolatier. McCormack said that their specialty item is bacon on a stick, which comes in an array of flavors. They are from Michigan, and this was their second time participating in the show. McCormack said that their specialty item is bacon on a stick, which comes in an array of flavors.
“It's got good clientele, a lot of friendly people, good placing," McCormack said. Being associated with the farmer's market draws a lot of people to this market."
The Midlands Crafter's Association holds three local events each year during fall, Christmas and spring. It was created in 2009 by Jamie Organ, the events coordinator for the Midlands Crafter's Association. Since then, Organ said the show has transformed into one of the largest handmade arts and craft shows in South Carolina.
The show features local and out-of-state artisans, crafters and a wide range of other vendors. Organ said the purpose of the event is to support the community.
“We have less than 10% of our vendors are retail," Organ said. "These are all small businesses. These are all people that are your neighbors or people that are on your kid's ball team, or, you know, things like that. I mean, these are just people out here trying to make ends meet because times are hard."
Organ said participants aren't limited by age. Ten-year-old Bria Daniels is a young entrepreneur who is in her second year at the show. Her small business is called Be A La Mode, and allows customers to make their own custom lip glosses and bracelets. She said that the show creates opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Many people come back to the show, and some even come annually. One of those people isLynda Watson. She comes to each fair yearly and has been back several times since.
“You always find something different that you'd like to buy. Always get something before you leave. Always,” Watson said.
The second day of the event, Sunday, March 22, had some different booths than the day prior, such as the Lake Murray Pretzel Company. This small business is veteran-owned by Yvonne Nerone. This is the fifth time she’s been at this, and she said she keeps coming back because of the event’s good promotion.
“The reason that we have continued to come is because the organizer, Jamie; she is just very good at promoting the event locally on social media," Nerone said. "She rents billboards, and she's very organized. So, we come in here, we know exactly the setup process; there's no questions."
Luke Whittingham, a show attendee, found it through the farmer's market that happens during the show. They found it with their friends and have been hooked since.
“There's good food, there's good people, good crafts," Whittingham said. "I like to see the variety."
Heather Flores is the owner of Wild Olive Soapery. She initially didn't get in the show when she first applied, but was able to get a spot after another vendor pulled out last minute. Several other vendors had told her about this event and how wonderful it is. This is now her second year. Flores said that she loves this show because there are lots of people that come from all different walks of life.
"I get to meet all types of people out here and learn a little bit about everybody's story," Flores said. "I'm very approachable, so when people come in and talk they just I guess feel welcome and they feel comfortable telling me things."
This show has different types of vendors and crafters that make food, beverages, jewelry, clothing, ceramics and more. Everyone can enjoy and experience this event no matter what age because of the diverse craftmanships.