200 vendors fill Ford Wyoming Center for annual craft fair fundraiser
The two-day event raises funds for recreation scholarships and offers handmade goods to the public this weekend.
By Alyssa Parker ·
More than 200 vendors from Wyoming and surrounding regions are set to display their work at the Ford Wyoming Center this weekend. The City of Casper Recreation Division and the Community Recreation Foundation are hosting the annual craft fair on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14. The event serves as the foundation's largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds supporting scholarships for recreational activities for young people and senior citizens at Casper facilities.
Admission for adults aged 12 and older is $5, while children under 12 enter for free. The fair runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Last year, the event welcomed approximately 4,400 visitors, and organizers are aiming for similar attendance this year.
Mariah Hellmuth, the Recreation Supervisor for the City of Casper's Recreation Division, said the fair began about 20 years ago at the recreation center. She noted that the event eventually outgrew that location and moved to the Event Center roughly 10 to 15 years ago. Hellmuth described the craft fair as a staple community event that attracts both local and out-of-state participants.
Vendors offer a wide range of handmade items, including baked goods, jams, knitted goods, quilts, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, candles, soaps, wreaths, ornaments, leather goods, clothing, toys, and floral arrangements. The variety allows shoppers to find unique holiday gifts and specialty items from regional makers.
In addition to the vendor booths, the Community Recreation Foundation is holding a raffle using items donated by the vendors. All proceeds from the raffle and the event itself go toward the foundation. Hellmuth explained that the funds help cover the cost of memberships and classes for community members who might otherwise not be able to afford them. She highlighted that the foundation supports programs such as swim lessons, ensuring kids have the opportunity to participate.
Hellmuth said she looks forward to seeing both first-time visitors and regular attendees at the event. She encouraged people to support the local and commercial vendors, many of whom rely on these shows for their livelihood. She noted that many vendors create items specifically for this type of event and hope attendees will find unique Christmas gifts among the offerings.
The Community Craft Fair is located at the Ford Wyoming Center, 1 Events Drive, in Casper. The event is open to the public during the specified hours on Friday and Saturday. More information is available on the City of Casper website.
