By Genine Hopkins
The VFW Auxiliary will be putting on their Craft Show during the Marion Fair, from June 12 through June 15, at the Fairgrounds this year. The group is excited to hold their third such craft show, that offers them the opportunity to give back to the community by raising funds for the pantry, the school’s trips, prize money for the Voice of Democracy writing contest, food baskets at Thanksgiving, donations to Eagle Village, and of course, helping veterans in need, plus more! The first two craft shows – in November of 2023 and in February of 2024, raised just about $5,000 for their goals and they are hoping this show blows the first two out of the water!
Amy Simon, who is organizing this year’s event, has a long history in the Marion area, with her family owning property since the late 1960s and moving to the area in 1976, ironically the U.S. Bicentennial, since her family has a long history of service to their country. Her great grandad served in the Spanish-American War, her dad served at Fort Dix with the military police, and her son, JonTe, served in Germany for eight years, which allowed her to join the Auxiliary.
“This year we already have 27 different vendors,” Simon said, “We have a wide assortment of items, from baked goods to natural doggie treats, to yarn spinning on site, dish scrubbies, tumblers, jewelry, keychains, relay for life, wind chimes, and even a Halloween boutique shop!”
More vendors are contacting her and she hopes to fill the space the Fair Board donated to the VFW to hold the event. Simon tries not to have more than two vendors of similar goods to the show, to allow each vendor the opportunity to have great sales traffic.
The Marion Fair is indeed looking to be a great event, so make sure to swing by the VFW pavilions to see what great bargains may be had at VFW Craft Show!
