Go
Saints!

Thursday
March 28th, 2024

craft showItems such as snowmen and other crafts can be found at the Pop Up Craft and Food Show the next three weekends. The shows will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays at 325 S. Kansas Ave. in Liberal. Courtesy photoROBERT PIERCE • Leader & Times

 

In Southwest Kansas, the first weekend in December typically brings several events into play with the holiday season already well under way.

This year, though, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those events have been canceled, including the Kansas Children’s Service League’s Red Stocking Breakfast, the Plains Lions Club’s Christmasing in Plains and the Society for the Prevention of Bored Housewives’ annual Folk Art Festival.

Though the Folk Art Festival is not a part of this year’s yuletide scene in Seward County, coordinator Ada Linenbroker has come up with a plan for several smaller craft shows to make up for the loss of the festival.

“Since COVID-19 has reduced the size of local events, I decided to work out of the box, so to speak, and we are going to work in a smaller venue,” she said. “With the help of the Wilkens Events building, which has been unable to do all of the large weddings and events, we came up with a workable solution.”

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Linenbroker and her friend, Patty Wilkens, have hosted three of the Pop Up Craft and Food Shows so far, with three more to come. Thus far, with limited crowd sizes and wearing masks, the shows have drawn 10 vendors, and Linenbroker said everyone has enjoyed the first three events.

With this weekend being normally planned for the Folk Art Festival, Linenbroker said she is excited to have vendors who were planning to come to that show at the Pop Up event.

“We have Lorie Tharp from Perryton with her delicious pumpkin rolls, which are always a hit at the show,” she said. “From Borger, Texas, we have Bill and Debbie Chowins with baked goods including rolls, breads, decorated cookies and gift baskets.”

Also coming to the Pop Up Craft and Food Show is Gail Lamberson from Ulysses, with her beautifully made stained glass. 

“We also have Cecilia Row from Stinnett, Texas, who will be showing her handmade frames, hand painted lures, cup caps and woodworking,” Linenbroker said. “Our Oklahoma vendor is Eva Faye McPhail from Gate. She always has the amazing hand painted rocks and canvas and other items.”

Of course, there will be several vendors on hand from Liberal too.

“Les James will have his beautiful wood furniture like bunk beds, chairs, etc.,” Linenbroker said.

Linenbroker and her son, Chris Linenbroker, will have a joint booth of jewelry, snowmen and signs.

“Chris has been busy building garden benches and wrought iron reindeer and trees,” Ada said.

From Turpin, Okla., Rachel Janzen has Unique Creations, featuring repurposed furniture, benches, tables and dressers.

“Her daughter, Kristina Brady, has her handmade Santas, snowmen and painted windows,” Ada said. “We also have Claire Jackson with Free Bird Art with her unique craft items.”

For a hot taste treat, Vine Street Donuts from Meade will be at the Wilkens Building.

“That booth was a big hit last year at the Folk Art Festival with their hot mini donuts with your choice of toppings,” Ada said. 

A favorite from past Folk Arts, Tammy Nestor, better known as the “Sugar Cookie Lady,” will not be part of the Pop Up Craft and Food Shows this year, however.

“We were hoping to have a visit by the cookie lady this year, but Tammy had to cancel when several members of her cookie crew came down with COVID-19,” Ada said. 

Linenbroker did have some exciting news though, on that front.

“We have one of our own special bakers here in Liberal stepping up and will be at our show this weekend – Holley Owens with delicious sugar cookies with her special decorated icing,” Ada said. “So come buy your cookies this weekend.”

Another special part of the events is great breakfast and lunch special sandwiches and soups.

“Patty has hosted here Pop Up events in the past serving cinnamon rolls, scones and other tasty items,” Ada said. “So come and check out great homemade items to serve your families or just sample a sweet treat for yourself.”

There are spaces available for the last two weekends before Christmas. Call Ada at 620-624-0497 to see about bringing crafts or baked goods to the Pop Up Craft and Food Show.

“Don’t forget to stop by while you are enjoying the holiday events, downtown, and stop by for sweet goodies and food before you enjoy the Christmas parade that evening,” she said.