LINN —  For the 39th year, the Linn Area Craft and Vendor Show will welcome vendors from all over the state and beyond Missouri’s borders from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Linn R-2.

Once again, organizer Judy Hicks is pleased to note that all three buildings — the field house, high school commons (and halls), and elementary gym — will be filled again, along with the area right outside the buildings. If the weather is nice, outdoor spots will be open. In that case, Hicks said 250 spots would be available.

“This is the biggest craft show by far,” said Hicks. “I cannot even tell you how many more I have turned away because I had nowhere to go.”

Hicks added the craft show is a great place for one-stop shopping. “You can start and finish your Christmas shopping all in one day and get something for yourself,” she said. “We have items for everyone: florals, crocheting, candles, melts, nuts, barbecue sauce, frozen meats, kettle corn, clothes of all sorts, skincare and cleaning products, fishing lures, hair accessories, head wraps, quilt tops, honey, blown glass, woodcrafts, ceramics, toys, purses, baked goods, jellies, cups, sheets, doll’s items, lemonade stands, wreaths, and so much more. I’m probably forgetting a lot. This show has gotten so big I have a hard  time trying to remember everything off the top of my head.”

A new element this year is the addition of a Pizza Kwik truck. “You can shop and order a pizza to go to take home,” Hicks said.

Many hours of work go into this show, including hours charting the layout and getting everybody in the right spots and happy. “I can’t even begin to tell you how many posters are out everywhere,” said Hicks. “The banners are now in place, and people are getting excited for it to get here. My work is almost done for this show.”

However, the buildings still need to be set up. Enter Linn R-2 FCCLA and Advisor Christine Wells. “They are there with me taping down tarps, setting up tables and chairs, and helping bring in vendors to set up for the show and also to help load them up when it’s done,” said Hicks. “My vendors really appreciate their help, and I would be lost without them. Many behind-the-scenes people help me, including my husband and son. The school’s support is always great to have, even though we might not see eye to eye.”

Hicks is also grateful that a couple of crafters helped her measure booth spots, and other things as needed, including  handing out posters for the event. “They are great people and will know who they are,” she said. “They are my greatest supporters and very willing to help. I appreciate them very much.”

During the Linn Area Craft and Vendor Show, the Linn Athletic Boosters and PTO will offer a raffle, with a lucky entrant to walk away with two outdoor chairs from Classic Buildings. “Stop by and help both clubs out,” said Hicks. “They are a great support, and I appreciate them.” 

The VFW will man the bake sale table, offering the great things they bring to the show.

Hicks added she’s pleased with the longevity of the event.

“Being in the 39th year speaks volumes of the support that this show has received,” she said. “This show will keep coming to the area as long as it is supported. People know this is a great show and come from far and wide to be here. It makes me proud to be part of this great school district and Osage County.”

Visit Linn Area Craft and Vendor Show on Facebook for updates.