Ask Kim Rightnour to describe herself and she'll say, "I am a crafter." She's also a business owner, community organizer and member of Columbia Women of the Moose. And in her most recent role, she's chair of the committee for Crafting for a Cause, a craft show that will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, at Columbia River Park, 41 Walnut St.
Rightnour, who owns Kim's Prim co in Columbia, first organized a craft show last fall. "After COVID hit, a lot of us crafters had a lot of supplies on hand but nowhere to share our crafts," she recalled. Not only were small businesses suffering, she said, but so was the Columbia Moose Lodge, which lost income due to closing. To help remedy the situation, Rightnour handpicked crafters to set up in the parking lot of the lodge. The event was so successful, she decided to do it again - and to expand.
"I had 32 crafters in the fall, but we'll have room for more at the park," she stated. "We have space for up to 75 crafters."
Participants will include Kim's Prim co, Brianna Folds Books, Yo Yos Etc., Sparkle & Spill Fluid Art Creations, Bonerz Gourmet Dog Treats and more. Rose's Deli will offer food, and Bricker's Famous French Fries will be for sale, along with coffee and baked goods. DJ Bam Bam will provide music.
"Most of our vendors are local," Rightnour noted. "There's going to be such a variety of crafters. You'll see everything from dog treats to home decor and everything in between. And, the show is right along the river, so your view of the Susquehanna is going to be spectacular."
Vendors were charged a fee to rent their space for the event, and the money will benefit both Moose International and the Columbia Moose Lodge. Moose International runs two major programs - Mooseheart, a group home for children through age 18, and Moosehaven, a retirement community.
Rightnour said Crafting for a Cause promises to be a fun day full of opportunities to check out unique vendors. "It's happening the day before Mother's Day, so there's no more perfect time to pick up some last-minute gifts," she remarked.
Leading up to the event, updates will be posted on Facebook with spotlights on the participants. "People can search for 'Crafting for a Cause' on Facebook and do some window shopping with links to the participating vendors," Rightnour explained. "It will give you a nice of idea of things you might want to buy when you get to the show."
Leave a Review