Young crafters showcase handmade treasures at Wintergreen arts and craft fair

5 years ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Wintergreen Arts Center continued one of its newest traditions over the weekend by welcoming the community to the 2nd annual Kids Arts and Craft Fair.

On Saturday afternoon, nine young artists, with a little help from their parents, set up tables and sold a variety of handmade craft items such as pet supplies, original artwork and hair products.

Megan Wood (left), 9, and her sister Carlee Wood, 12, of Mapleton, sold handmade slime, hand warmers, scrunchies and other items during Wintergreen Art Center’s 2nd annual Kids Arts and Craft Fair on Saturday. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star-Herald)

Although many artists participated in last year’s inaugural fair, there were several newcomers to the arts and craft scene. Makenzie Cole, 9, of Caribou and her mother, Paige Cole, kept themselves busy selling flower vases, hand-painted coasters made from popsicle sticks and paintings.

“It’s really fun to do,” Makenzie Cole said, about why she loves making crafts.

She had another reason for wanting to earn extra cash.

“She’s saving money for a trip to Old Orchard Beach and a Portland Sea Dogs game,” Paige Cole said.

Sisters Carlee, 12, and Megan Wood, 9, of Mapleton, were also on hand to sell hand-crafted May baskets, slime, hair clips and scrunchies, holiday greeting cards, hand warmers and bracelets. They also participated in the craft fair for the first time and their mother, Jen Wood, said that Carlee was one of the students who initially brought up the idea of a craft fair last year.

“We make crafts pretty much every day,” Carlee said.

Event organizer Melanie Cyr said that having a children’s-only craft fair provided a great opportunity for the young artists to share their talents and skills with the public.

“The kids have been working really hard and it’s nice to see the community come out and support them,” Cyr said.