Vendors have mixed results at Christmas event
By Charmain Z. Brackett| Correspondent
Sunday, December 14, 2008

Bethanne Farrell had planned ahead for her shopping at the 38th annual Christmas Craft Show at H. Odell Weeks Activities Center.

"I came for The Aiken Book, and I am so excited the lady who makes the ornaments is here. I just love them," said Ms. Farrell, as she waited at Betsy Wilson-Mahoney's booth for the author to sign The Aiken Book: A Watercolor Tour.

Dozens of vendors filled the gym and sidewalks at the center during the show Dec. 5 and 6.

Christmas ornaments, purses, baked goods, paintings, woodcrafts, dolls, handmade soaps, jewelry, hair bows and hand-painted miniature figurines were among the wares available.

Mrs. Wilson-Mahoney, who had a booth at the event for the first time in more than 20 years, said she had a steady flow of customers.

"It's been just fabulous," she said.

Her book, which was released in October, has already sold more than 1,200 copies. Only 2,000 were printed. She also sold prints from the book at the craft show.

Others reported good crowds at their booths.

Members of the Aiken High School FFA made and sold wreaths on site.

Sales had been "fairly good," according to the club's sentinel, Phillip Carnley. The teens sold more than 60 during the weekend.

Proceeds from the sale of the wreaths will enable the club to purchase items such as potting soil and plants for use in its programs the rest of the school year, he said.

While sales were brisk for some, others had a different experience.

"It's a little slow this year," said Cheryl Duval of Little Metal Men, a business specializing in hand-painted miniature figurines.

She and her husband, Charles, have been fixtures at the craft show for about 15 years.

Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.

From the Sunday, December 14, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle
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