Hatton craft show draws thousands of visitors

Allie Talley (left) asks Ashley Leakey about her custom crocheted hat made to look like the droid 'R2D2' from 'Star Wars' Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 at the craft show in Hatton, Mo.
Allie Talley (left) asks Ashley Leakey about her custom crocheted hat made to look like the droid 'R2D2' from 'Star Wars' Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 at the craft show in Hatton, Mo.

HATTON, Mo. - Hundreds of cars and thousands of people descended on a Callaway County town for one of the state's biggest craft shows Saturday.

"It's always been the best craft show," said Mary Barner, of Columbia. "I went to a three-day event in St. Charles, and this one is every bit as good as that one there."

At Saturday's show, Barner sold her handcrafted greeting cards. This year marks her return to the show after a nearly decade-long absence, for various reasons, she said.

"I did this show for about 10 years in a row starting in 1985, and I did it for years and years," she said. "This is my first year coming back."

Her return to the Hatton Craft Show was a no-brainer, Barner said. The show is considered one of the best in the state.

Barner said craft shows offer buyers items that are one-of-a-kind and made locally.

"It's homemade, not made in China," she said. "It's original, it's a card people save and don't throw away. People even leave these up for decorations for the holidays."

"When I watch the Cardinals games, this is what I do," she said. "It really gives me something to do. I make these eight hours a day, three days a week. I usually sit in front of the boob tube while I do this."

In addition to helping her occupy her time, the cards also provide a source of income for those selling the crafts, Barner said.

"The money spent stays in the U.S.," she said. "It also gives seniors like me a little spending money, and believe me, the seniors definitely need some more money."

Beth Busseau, of Columbia, who shared a booth with Barner, said she benefits as much from crafting as the customers do.

"My husband always tells me this is way cheaper than a psychiatrist," she said. "He always lets me know that when I buy yarn and fabric."

In addition to the personal therapy creating crafts offers, Busseau said the items at a craft show are unique.

"I'm a person who likes to have something unique," she said. "I don't want to go to a party and be wearing something someone else is. I feel the same about my crafts, I like to be creative. People can take these home and enjoy them."

Hundreds of sellers and thousands of attendees were present at the craft show Saturday. Jamie Barnes, of Fulton, said the show has become somewhat of a tradition for her.

"I go to Hatton every year," she said. "I love the crafts and the festivities, and my kids love it. Plus, I love to keep it local; they offer a lot of handmade items."

Saturday's event was also attended by many first-timers drawn to the show by its prestigious reputation, like Allie Talley, of Mexico.

"This is my first time," she said. "I heard a lot of great things about it and heard it was a pretty big craft fair."

Talley said the show definitely lived up to her expectations.

"Absolutely, (I'll be back)," she said. "I've loved it so far."

The show is even home to many crafters seeking to expand their personal businesses. Ashley Leakey, of Boonville, came to showcase her work for her company, Ash Tree Crochet.

"This is my fifth year here. I love it," she said. "I came here all the time when I was a kid. I make crocheted hats and toys."

Her hats and toys provide the customer with a unique experience, Leakey said.

"They are custom and one-of-a-kind," she said. "There's no two of them that are alike. You get something a lot more creative than something mass produced. Plus, if you buy it, you won't see five people on the street with the same hat."

In addition to attending shows, Leakey said she operates her business online through Etsy. On her site, she sells patterns to help other crochet enthusiasts make unique hats and toys.

"Online it's mostly patterns unless someone orders a custom piece from me," she said. "People so buy patterns a lot."

Leakey said people interested in supporting her work can visit her website at ashtreecrochet.etsy.com.