Benton’s winter wonderland craft fair marks 25 years

Photo provided A truck-themed Christmas quilt by craft vendor Pat Wilson is pictured. Several vendors and raffles are planned for the 25th Annual Winter Wonderland of Treasures set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at St. Denis Parish Center in Benton.

BENTON, Mo. — Marking its 25th year, the “Winter Wonderland of Treasures” craft fair in Benton promises new and exciting features. 

Event coordinator Judy Scherer said this year’s theme will celebrate Jesus’ birthday, coinciding with Christmas on Dec. 25.

“We wanted to do this for our 25th year,” Scherer said.

This year’s event will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the St. Denis Parish Center in Benton.

Scherer said this year 10 to 12 vendors will host free raffles at their booths, offering attendees the chance to win handmade craft items. In addition to the regular raffles, a new raffle will feature a tree decorated with restaurant gift cards. 

Instead of the usual 50-50 raffle, a $500 cash prize will be awarded.

“It’s similar to the 50-50, but the winner will receive $500 outright,” Scherer said.

According to Scherer, this year admission requires a non-perishable food item to support the Jesus in Disguise Food Pantry housed at St. Denis.

“With rising food costs, we want to help feed the hungry,” Scherer said. “Those without food items can make a donation at the entrance.”

Scherer said the craft fair raises funds for St. Denis Catholic School, which does not receive government funding.

“This fundraiser helps us invest in our children’s education,” said Scherer.

Scherer said there are 50 vendors this year and they will offer a wide range of items, including woodworking, quilts, toys, antiques, jewelry, Christmas crafts, handmade pocket knives, homemade soaps, and wreaths. 

Scherer said the “sweet treats table” will return with even more homemade baked goods. 

“Our sweet treats were a big hit last year,” Scherer said. “All the churches are involved now, and we have a lot of homemade baked items everyone seems to love.”

Other new vendors include a blacksmith shop with a booth of metal items and a booth featuring diamond art, a craft that involves applying tiny rhinestones to a pre-printed canvas to create a picture, according to Scherer. 

“The diamond art is pretty fascinating,” Scherer said.

Scherer said the craft fair is one of the region’s biggest — and last — craft fairs of the season.

“It’s neat that people don’t want to miss it, even though we’re a small town,” Scherer said. “People are remembering the craft fair and are putting it down in their calendars.”