Just in time for holiday home decorating, Davie Craft Association is celebrating its 51st Annual Craft Village this year on Friday, November 12th, and Saturday, November 13th. With a new location at Davie Parks & Recreation, familiar to some as the former Davie High School Gymnasium, Davie Craft Association is excited to be hosting over 50 local artisans and vendors, baked goods, food trucks, and live music to keep the tradition alive.
With 51 years under its belt, the Annual Craft Village is essential to Davie County residents and craft-lovers of all kinds. In 1970, the Davie Craft Association was founded and sponsored by the County of Davie, and was run by individual crafters and board members. Due to its popularity in the community, crafters and board members continued Davie Craft Association operations after the County no longer sponsored it. With the organization’s meetings previously being held in the National Armory in Davie County, the organization was asked to move locations after the Armory was needed by the National Guard following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.
Since then, Davie Craft Association has called the B.C. Brock Gymnasium on Main Street its home. With the Annual Craft Village being held in a larger facility at Davie Parks & Recreation this year, the extra space will allow for even more vendors than in previous years. The organization is very pleased with the layout of this year’s venue, making for an easier entry process for visitors and a well-designed floor space for vendors.
How do local artisans sign up to participate in the craft show? To outsiders, the competition is stiffer than it may seem. In fact, prospective vendors must first present their designs and crafts to a jury of eight members of the Davie Craft Association for inspection prior to being invited as a vendor for the Craft Village. The craft show’s jury ensures that all crafts and products sold at the event are high quality and authentic to the artisan, rather than being resold by a major retailer. Interested in presenting your crafted goods to the Davie Craft Association to become a vendor at this year’s Annual Craft Village? Follow Davie Craft Association on Facebook and send a message to find out more information on how to get involved.
Each year, the Craft Village sees approximately 1,200 visitors in just two days. Every $1 entrance fee is donated to the Retired Teachers Program of Davie County, which adds to teachers’ retirement funds. Davie County teachers collect fees at the door, in addition to running the bakery inside the event. At the bakery, expect to find delicious cakes, cookies, pies, jams, and more made by participating local vendors available for purchase.
Deck your halls in style by supporting local artisans this holiday season. Marvel at the stunning ornaments, handbags, jewelry, florals, soaps, and crocheted and knitted wearable items for sale. At the end of the craft show, all vendors donate five percent of their earnings to the Davie Craft Association, which funds a scholarship presented to a Davie High School senior each year who shows a particular interest in art-based or design-focused career paths.
In addition to baked goods and crafts, visitors can enjoy live music by local artists and dancers. Food trucks will also be making an appearance at the Annual Craft Village, so bring your appetite along for the ride.
Doors are open from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 12th. On Saturday, November 13th, event hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Davie Parks & Recreation is located at 151 Southwood Drive, Mocksville, NC. Parking at the event is free of charge, with only a $1 entrance fee at the door. To stay up to date on the latest news and events from Davie Craft Association, or to inquire about being a vendor at this year’s Annual Craft Village, follow the organization’s Facebook page for more information.
