The annual arts and crafts festival returns after a year of COVID | News, Sports, Jobs

PARKERSBURG – After a year off due to COVID, the Harvest Moon Arts and Crafts Festival returned to Parkersburg City Park this weekend.

The rain withstood Saturday afternoon, while Sunday was sunny and clear for the event, during which more than 50 artisans displayed and sold their wares.

Train rides and inflatables were available to keep the kids entertained. The Parkersburg Art Center set up a Paint and Take booth where children could paint small items and pottery-making demonstrations were presented.

There were also several bands and artists at the two-day event, with Parkersburg South High School Southern Bells, Parkersburg High School Red Wings, Track 9, Sour Mash String Band, Smith Family Singers, Insured Sound and Band of Brothers.

The festival serves as a fundraiser for the Wood County Recreation Commission, said Andy Hartleben, Wood County Recreation Director.

The arts and crafts available were center stage, with woodworking, jewelry, painting, photography, soaps, wreath making and more all sold by various vendors.

Christine Songo, a Parkersburg resident and Tamarack craftswoman, uses precious stones and silver and gold threads to create a variety of jewelry.

Songo said she started making the parts as a way to occupy and occupy time after being permanently disabled while serving in the military.

“I like making jewelry, it has really become my passion” she said.

Kiera Theobald, a recent high school graduate, first exhibited her stained glass skills at a craft show. She said her grandfather, who had worked in stained glass for 47 years, taught her.

Photo of Madeline Scarborough Sophia Skidmore, 3, performs on inflatables at the Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday.

“It’s pretty good so far,” she said about her first event as a salesperson.

Kay Greathouse of K&K Creations, said that while the crowd was not as big as it once was, she was seeing more shopping.

“It went rather well, there are a lot of buyers”, she said.

Jody Sperry of JoMax Jewelry, an 18-year-old salesperson at the show, said it was slower than in previous years.

“I hope it will be bigger and better next year” she said. “It’s usually one of my best shows.”

Kelly Williamson of Mystic Moon cited the pandemic and everyone being very cautious as the reason for lower turnout.

“Everyone is always safe and at a social distance” she said.

Stacia Colleen of Stacia Colleen Design, which showcased lamps made from household items like old cameras and phones, said the event was good.

“We got good sales and a good response to our product” she said.

Rachel Beezel of Keep It Natural With Rachel, who also sells her products at Peddler’s Junction in Belpre, said Saturday was a good day.

Photo of Madeline Scarborough Kiera Theobald gave live demonstrations of stained glass making on Saturday during the Harvest Moon Festival at Parkersburg City Park.

” It went very well. I was very busy,” she said.