Shoppers came out early to the Lange building on Hwy. K to peruse handcrafted items, vintage pieces repurposed as decor, and holiday arrangements. This location was open Friday evening and all day Saturday. Tina L. Scott photo.
BY TINA L. SCOTT EDITOR
Merrill’s City Wide Craft and Vendor Extravaganza drew crowds last Saturday, having expanded this year to nine locations, with a couple of locations starting their sales on Friday. Shoppers came out to the Agra Pavilion, the Lange Building on Hwy. K south of town, the former Jefferson School in Merrill’s Sixth Ward, the Merrill High School Fieldhouse, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, New Testament Church, St. John’s Lutheran School Gymnasium, Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, and VFW Post 1638 to browse wares that covered a wide array of handcrafted merchandise, holiday decor, food and baked goods, clothing, crafts, jewelry, books, vintage pieces, antiques, toys, candles and soap, wreaths and evergreen items, and lots more. Some were shopping to get a head start on Christmas, others to decorate for the holidays, and others to treat themselves. While some locations were totally full with vendors, others had some room to grow, so next year’s event may be even bigger.
Numerous vendors were selling handmade fresh evergreen wreaths, kissing balls, and arrangements, perfect for Christmas decorating. Tina L. Scott photo.Some of the craft shows had delicious home-baked treats for sale like this selection of cookies. Tina L. Scott photo.Handmade mittens have a timeless appeal. This display features a variety of colors and designs. Tina L. Scott photo.The craft shows throughout Merrill on Saturday featured a large variety of handmade merchandise–from paintings like these to woodcrafts, knitted and crocheted gifts, signs, faux food decor, toys, and so much more! Tina L. Scott photo.Handcrafted teddy bears fill a table at the craft show located in the Merrill High School Field House on Saturday. Tina L. Scott photo.The Agra Pavilion was a new craft show location this year, and it was filled with a combination of handcrafted items, many incorporating evergreen boughs and bows, and vintage household items and rustic decor. Tina L. Scott photo.
