Hundreds of artists prep for “the Neiman Marcus of craft fairs”

Almost 200 artists, woodworkers, crafters, bakers, chefs and more are putting the finishing touches on an enormous inventory of one-of-a-kind items that will go on sale at the 32nd Annual Covenant Village of Northbrook Holly Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2.

“We’ve heard people call the Holly Fair the Neiman Marcus of craft fairs,” says Covenant Village Creative Arts Coordinator Suzie Stevens. “That reflects the quality of the items we sell.”

Many contributors have refined their skills over their lifetimes and create their specialties exclusively for the Holly Fair. And artists frequently collaborate on items, raising the quality bar even higher. American Girl doll accessories are just one example. Watercolorist Tom Nelson hand painted both the headboard and footboard of a bed created by Tony Thomas. Another version features delicate rosemaled designs. Marcella Erickson knows that every American Girl doll needs a wardrobe and bedding; that’s why she spends all year stitching both for the Holly Fair.

Arnie Bock is introducing a new décor item this year — Christmas trees made of native Illinois pinecones. Sizes range from a tabletop decoration to a show-stopping 28-inches high. Bits of holly add a glint of holiday color to the natural hues of the pinecones.
“People bring me items for the sale all year long,” says Stevens. “By October we have so many items it takes us a week to set up the Holly Fair.”

Even the edibles for sale at the fair are unique. By Nov. 2, Marilyn and Bob Poor will have made hundreds of pounds of potato sausage. If past experience is any indication, every ounce will be sold. “Covenant Village dining services lets us store the sausage in the walk-in freezer,” says Stevens. “Few people take the time to make it anymore, but they know we have it and they come to buy a supply every year.”

From Barbie dolls to crystal and jewelry, a boutique of collectibles offers opportunities for connoisseurs. Every year, buyers find Lalique, Waterford, Lladro and more at very reasonable prices. 

The 28 Covenant Village residents who work on 16 Holly Fair committees provide the organizational know-how for the Holly Fair. “We’ve tried to track the hours spent preparing for the Holly Fair, but it’s just impossible,” says Holly Fair Chair Peg Sickeler. “People are inspired to help because we donate the proceeds to charity. Contributors know that by doing what they love we can give back to the local community. And the contribution isn’t small. Last year we presented $26,000 to four Northbrook public service agencies as well as other projects chosen by Covenant Village residents.”

For more information on the Covenant Village of Northbrook Holly Fair, call Nancy Baughman, (847) 412-7058.

Covenant Village of Northbrook, 2625 Techny Rd., Northbrook, Ill., is a faith-based, nationally accredited, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities Inc., which is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village of Northbrook, visit www.CovenantNorthbrook.org.