Fewer craftsmen is a 'sign of the times'
The results are in. Art in the Park was a success.
With 60 fewer vendors than the previous year, nearly 35,000 people visited Marion Sept. 16, because of the craft show.
According to Marion Chamber of Commerce Executive Secretary Margo Yates the reduction in vendors is a result of evolution.
"Many of the crafters are retirement age. When they retire from doing shows, there aren't other crafters to take their places," she explained.
High fuel prices also were to blame. She noted when the price of gas began to decrease she had a dozen more vendors sign up at the last minute to come.
A reduction in vendors also was noted in Hillsboro and Yates said it's a problem throughout the state.
The price of booth space was increased last year from $50 to $75, which is the same as Hillsboro's. Yates said there was resistance from some vendors about the increase but was not necessarily the contributing factor.
The money collected for booth space is used for advertising which also has increased in the last couple of years.
One of the requirements of the annual crafts show is for all items to be homemade or handmade.
"Even with a reduction of crafters, the group won't change that criteria," she said.
Vendors this year were from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, and Florida.
Yates said most local businesses reported an increase in sales while some had an average to above average day.
