C.R.A.F.T. fair reaches its 50th year

The Crafters Rockhounds Artists Fair of Tucumcari, known as C.R.A.F.T., reached a milestone when it held its 50th annual craft fair.

The fair was at the Quay County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. Travis Nelson started planning the C.R.A.F.T. fair in 1973, and the first fair was in 1974.

Terri Baca, president of C.R.A.F.T., has been helping with the fair for about 20 years.

"I feel that the fair is important because it helps other crafters have a venue to sell their crafts. It's not only that but the comradery between crafters," Baca said.

She also said there is a large amount of support that goes into the event.

"My favorite part is that we all get together and support each other," she said.

Baca said the fair is an amazing tradition.

"I hope that the C.R.A.F.T. club continues to put on the C.R.A.F.T. fair. It is very unique to buy handmade items rather than just shopping online," Baca said.

Carole Keith, treasurer for the C.R.A.F.T. club and a charter member, she said there are great vendors at the fair.

"We have many excellent vendors, some who come from as far away as Pena Blanca and Alamogordo to sell their crafts," Keith said. "I love being a part of such a wonderful group of people."

Keith said the hardest part of the fair is the preparation.

"My least favorite part is setting up. It's a lot of work. We do have some excellent help from local high school classes, though," she said.

She said the fair has changed throughout the years.

"Attendance has gone down because of the economy, and fewer people are crafting. I hope that (the event) continues and is better supported by our community," Keith said.

Roxanne Black has been an exhibitor at the fair for 45 years. Her booth consisted of crochet and knit items.

"The best part has always been the people," she said.

Jeanette Brandt is a 20th-year exhibitor, and she said she sells handmade dog Christmas items.

"They used to know me as the NFL lady, but now I sell dog items," she said.

"One thing will never change, and that is the people. The people have always been friendly," she added.

Jolene Fox, a fifth-year vendor, said she makes trash-to-treasure products.

"I go around thrift stores, buy the items and restore or change them," she said.

Fox said she enjoys the tradition of the fair.

"Many other shows have gone from craft to commercial, but here everything is still all handmade," Fox said.

Teagan Mason, a first-year exhibitor, said she enjoys the atmosphere.

"I really enjoy it; it has been a very pleasant experience getting to meet all these different people," she said.

Mason said the fair was a welcoming experience.

"Growing up, I didn't think anyone would want to buy my crafts, so it's really cool to see people interested in my work," she said.