Largest group of vendors at 7th Annual Fair in Clinton

(Clinton KY,  December 5, 2011) - Over forty artists, writers and craftspeople brought their gifts to the Seventh Annual Arts, Craft and Book Fair.

Sellers as young as 95 and as old as 12 spent hours encouraging an estimated 500 shoppers to sample their wares. Dorothy Nell Harper, poet laureate of the Jackson Purchase, came with her four books of poetry. She is close to completing her fifth book. Her granddaughters shared a table with her and sold their art to raise money for charity.

Dr. Ken Tucker, author of multiple books, was back for the seventh year. Ken always has a good time and said he would be "disappointed" if he missed a Fair. Author Chris Skates brought his book "Going Green" and the book he co-authored "Noah's Ark". Chris was excited to hear how historically astute his customers were.

Steven Vest brought two of his books and "Sacred Places" a tour of beautiful Kentucky churches published by Kentucky Monthly Magazine. Vest was popular for handing out free copies of the magazine. Judge Bill Cunningham was on hand with his books and to chat with locals.

Not only was there food for thought, but food for the body at this year's Fair. Joan Lacewell, famous for her peanut brittle, sold out before the end of the day. The women of the First Baptist Church brought baked goodies to help Ladonna Lathem finance a mission trip overseas.  First United Methodist Church sold out of homebaked bread and packed up early in the day. Circuit Judge Tim Langford came back this year with a selection of Kentucky Kernal gift pecans.

For cooks, there were homemade aprons from Betty's aprons. Betty and her husband have occupied a corner space at the Fair for several years and Mr. Betty is ready willing and able to model any apron to assure customers that real men will wear an apron. Deena Pittman brought her very serious sewing machine to personalize gifts. Casserole carriers, mixing bowls and pottery lamps were on hand. The mega big pot door prize created by Danny Whitlock went in a drawing to Martha Batts of Clinton.

Walking sticks and fitted boxes, jewelry and survivor bracelets, Christmas cards, decorations, wreathes and ornaments, Chicken Soup for the Soul were all available. Artists with pen and ink, watercolor and glass sold their one of a kind creations throughout the day.

Friends of the Hickman County Arts contributed soup, sandwiches and brownies for lunch. Other Friends brought guitars and keyboards to share music. The Friends support the Hickman County Arts Council, Inc., a nonprofit tax deductible organization. 

Funds generated will be used for concerts, lectures, arts and literature programs for Hickman Countians of all ages. The Arts Council has a writing and poetry program in the local school and awards scholarships to high school seniors.

The closest estimate on shoppers was close to 500 - a record for the Fair to date. It was a great beginning for a day that was all about Christmas in Clinton.