Butterfly Fair highlights young craftsman, benefits cancer fund

The Butterfly Fair set up in front of the Riverfront Motel on May 29 featured young artists and entrepreneurs, all under the age of 20.

Ten vendors came out to show their wares and sell them to visitors. The day was cloudy and cool, and it was a perfect time for a market day.

The fair was in memory of nine-year-old Caitlyn Elaine Gossett, who died in 2004.

Vendor Cheyenne Balog sold lip gloss at her booth Cheyenne’s Beauty.

“It’s pretty fun to go to this market. I am having a good time selling my lip gloss,” she said.

All the vendors did seem to be having a good day, and many mentioned they would participate in a second fair if one as held.

Vendor Lottie Jones of Freckled Ginger Refreshment Stand remarked, “It’s fun. I would like to try it again if I do well today.”

Jones offered a variety of flavors of cotton candy, from Razzle Dazzle Berry to Chocolate Covered Strawberry.

Vendors Emma and Abby Kennell sold all manner of items from decorated cupcakes to paintings to jewelry. While shy, the Kennells knew their products and were ready to assist customers.

Payton Keith and friend Riley LaLanne sold their wares at their booth, Deep Roots. The booth offered jewelry and headbands made by Keith.

“This has been really fun. We have gotten a lot of new business today,” said Keith.

The Tripp family provided barbeque pork sandwiches to the crowd. The proceeds from the sandwiches went to cover the medical costs for Krystal Tripp’s cancer treatment.

The whole family, with friends Laurie Van Dyne and Gabriella Woody, pitched in to serve delicious sandwiches to support the cause.

Although the fair had to compete with the larger Arts and Crafts show on the courthouse square, it had plenty of customers, and the young vendors seemed to be learning a lot about selling their products and talking to customers.

For more information on how to participate in the next fair, go to butterflyfair@ zokajos.com or find it on Facebook.