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Fifty-four fantastic crafters set up shop on the Hansen Plaza for the 50th Annual Hansen Museum Arts and Crafts Fair this past Saturday. Fair goers happily shopped their way around the Plaza lawn. As they wandered around the square browsing the booths and catching up with friends, they were serenaded with excellent music. On the south stage, Formerly Three, a dynamic musical duo, offered the crowd a musical feast of hit songs from a wide variety of years. Spencer Hansen’s smooth voice lent itself superbly to any genre and his keyboard skills morphed in and out of styles just as silkily as his voice. Keeping the beat, Chad Scharff kept Spencer pulsing along with his expert drumming skills. On the north stage, 80 Proof Alice delighted listeners with their incredible instrumentation! In true Bluegrass fashion, these three harmonized impeccably. It was indeed a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, happy-purchasing good time.
A highlight of the morning was the Quilt of Honor presentation that took place in front of the north stage. Four very deserving veterans were individually presented with beautiful quilts made by several talented Phillips County quilters. It was a privilege and an honor to have this very touching ceremony as part of the Arts and Crafts Fair. Thank you, men, for your service!
Following the Quilt of Honor presentation, Museum Board member Jim McDonald presented Paul Grammon with a beautiful eagle sculpture in honor of Paul’s retirement. Paul served as the Hansen Museum’s grounds and maintenance supervisor for 25 years—half of the last 50 Arts and Crafts Fair have taken place under his watchful eye. Paul has always admired Blair Smith’s chain saw artistry and we felt it was the perfect retirement gift to honor Paul’s 25 years of faithful service. Thank you, Paul, for a job well done!
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Arts and Crafts Fair, the Museum Board handed out homemade ice cream and sugar cookies. Although much cooler than last year, by 12:30 the day had warmed up and homemade ice cream certainly hit the spot. We deeply appreciate ALL who make the Arts and Crafts Fair a family tradition! The crowds’ faithful patronage is a large part of what makes the Arts and Crafts Fair such a success.
There were so many fun things to do at the Arts and Crafts Fair that kids had a tough time choosing what to do first. The obstacle course, T-Rex jumper and archery competition caught their immediate attention, but once they peeled themselves away from the inflatable fun, they discovered there was much more to do and see. The artisans demonstrating their skills around the square soon caught their attention. The youngsters were especially fond of the Color Me Crazy! Face Painters. There were many little people running around with colorful faces and eye catching tattoos!
Chainsaw carver, Blair Smith carved an amazing eagle sculpture under the crowd’s watchful eye. Blair handles the chainsaw like most of us do a butter knife. In true artist form, he made it look easy! Then he moved over to the Plaza lawn to do smaller carvings. Blair brought two sculptures with him so the Museum still gave away two carvings. This year’s lucky winners were Delores Knowles and Jessica Fisher. The third sculpture, an incredibly adorable bear waving hello, will be given away at the Museum’s annual meeting in April 2025. If you did not attend the 50th Annual Hansen Arts and Crafts Fair this year, you really missed something special. We hope you can make it next year.
The Hansen Museum is very thankful for all the volunteers (individuals and organizations) that helped with the fair. We are incredibly grateful for the Lions Club, St. John’s Catholic Church, Black Sheep BBQ, Jr. High Cheerleaders, and KAY group for providing delicious sustenance to keep everyone fueled for the day. A big thank you to Dave Schneider, grounds and maintenance supervisor, for all the back breaking work and handling all the logistics so efficiently. We are also very thankful for all Museum employees and board members who put in extra time and took on additional roles to help make the Arts and Crafts Fair a reality. Additionally, we are grateful to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s continued support of the Museum. It is because of the Hansen Foundation’s generosity that the Museum can host events such as the annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Last, but not least, huge heartfelt thank you to the Logan Community for all the support!
Next up for the Hansen Museum is the 46th Annual Labor Day Celebration scheduled for Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Logan Golf Course. An entire day of fun for all ages is planned: car show, sand volleyball tournament, pedal pull, inflatables, cowboy poets, live music by the Jimmy Dee band, and do not forget the show stopping fireworks at dark! Check out the Museum’s Facebook page or website to get details. Mark your calendars and plan to come!
