Winter craft fair season begins on Fort Hall Reservation
Debbie LaMere visits with customers at her display table on November 23.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — It’s that time of year again with the first of many craft fairs happening on the rez.
The first was on November 23, a Holiday Craft & Bake Sale at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel lobby organized by Debbie LaMere and Tina Williams. There was something for everyone in the form of beadwork, jewelry, blankets, holiday items and homemade baked goods.
LaMere said they thought it was a good idea to pull the event together since it’s a time people want homemade items. In the summertime, her and her husband, Craig, concentrate on beadwork and in the winter, she bakes bread and makes jams and quilts. She enjoys crafting since it keeps her busy. She’s looking forward to selling at the upcoming craft fairs.
Tina Williams with her baked goods.
Another crafter set up to sell was Rashele Nagashoah who was selling cakes and cupcakes along with various items of beadwork, more specifically jewelry made with dentaliums. Nagashoah says she gets all her family to bead and everything they sell is made by them.
She said beading is therapeutic and she mostly enjoys getting out in the community and visiting with the people.
An Indigenous Market will be on December 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chiefs Event Center. The event is sponsored by Indigenous Supplies.
Indigenous Supplies owner, Leah Tindore, said they have over 90 vendors registered for the upcoming event. Crafters will be coming from all over the west and even Canada.
Tindore said events like these are important this time of year for small businesses because it gives them an opportunity to sell their crafts and make money to get through the end of the year.
For her business, people need supplies to finish their crafts and she can provide that. Her goal is to be a good role model for people who want to vend.
Rashele Nagashoah and her family members sell a variety of items.
The Holiday Fair & Art Market is December 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and December 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School. The event is organized by the senior class who will also have a concession stand. Santa will visit from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday. A silent auction will take place.
Newe Creations will present their annual Holiday Craft Fair on December 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel.
