Growing strong: Floyd Arts and Crafts Festival marks 50 years
Seven-year-old Gwayla Yard-Gralla, likely the youngest vendor in attendance, was selling her handmade, woven potholders. “Do you like to cook?” was her marketing line that drew in customers.
The annual Floyd Arts and Crafts Festival is one of the most well-attended events in the county. With approximately 180 vendors, Saturday’s festival filled two Floyd County High School gymnasiums and spread out onto the school grounds, making it a hub of activity and a shopper’s best chance for finding a variety of unique handmade items.
Susan Leonard, the festival’s vendor coordinator and Floyd County Woman’s Club member, said the festival started more than 50 years ago. The Woman’s Club took over sponsorship in 1983 and has been running it ever since.
“This is our fundraising event for our club and all the money that’s made goes back into the county,” she said.
Fellow Woman’s Club member Joan Earman added that they have many different causes they donate to, such as scholarships for the high school, local fire departments and rescue squads, the library and other organizations that benefit the community.
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Gladys Vaughn, a Floyd County baker, said she had a line of people waiting to buy her pies and cakes when she opened her booth at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. She sold out of her fried apple pies within two hours but still had cakes.
Angela Thurston was a return customer for one of those cakes.
“Last year I got one and had to get another one,” she said.
Vaughn’s daughter, Florence Williams, who was assisting her mother with booth duties, said they mostly sell Vaughn’s crafts and desserts by word of mouth. Business picks up with the Arts and Crafts Festival and orders come in through Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Vaughn also makes tents that she originally created for Barbie dolls. Williams held one up and reported that they have also been used for kittens, puppies, G.I. Joes and even a ferret.