Last Saturday the Schroeder Town Hall was transformed into a store full of finely made crafts on display and for sale to the public. This was the 49th year of the Country Crafter Christmas Bazaar, which means that next year will be, like Ed Sullivan used to say, “A really big show!” Staff photo/Brian Larsen
The holiday spirit was on full display at the Schroeder Town Hall on Saturday, November 23.
There were rows of tables and displays of finely made crafts waiting for folks who came to peruse and purchase items, many gifts for Christmas. Tired shoppers took breaks to stop for coffee, cookies, and dessert items.
Started in 1971, the 2019 North Country Crafters Christmas Bazaar has become a great tradition in Cook County.
“We are believed to be the longest-running bazaar in Cook County, and we are usually the first kick-off to the season, always the Saturday before Thanksgiving,” said Sandy Holthaus, one of this year’s organizers. “People come year after year for fellowship and holiday fun. Gifted crafters brought everything from rosemaling, bread baking, scented soaps, knitted and crocheted items, beautiful jewelry, art, handcrafted birdhouses, jams, and jellies from local berries, candies, rosettes, wreaths and so much more to the bazaar.”
Two original members, LaVonne Anderson and Mary Schliep, still show their crafts at the show. LaVonne and her husband make Christmas wreaths and rosettes and scrumptious jam from fresh berries. Mary is well known for her beautiful rosemaling.
Each year the North Country Crafters limit the field to 12 or 13 vendors, but they try to add new artisans to the show. This year Dawn Sorenson, Mike Smieja, and Clare Cypull were original crafters. Smieja brought his pottery; Cypull brought repurposed items turned into holiday decorations, and Sorenson came with her son-in-law’s laser-cut Christmas trees and coasters.
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Country Crafter Christmas Bazaar. Make sure to take it in!
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