MARYSVILLE — The annual Autumn Craft Show drew more than 25 hand-selected vendors to the Ken Baxter Community Center and Comeford Park, with at least one coming from as far away as Sedro-Woolley, to attract what KBCC Coordinator Maryke Burgess described as a steady stream of shoppers and browsers throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 12.

“It was a great start to kick off our holiday bazaar season,” Burgess said. “Many of our vendors were back by popular customer request, but we also had some new people to keep things fresh and offer variety.”

Burgess’ enthusiasm about the quality of the crafters’ work at this show has led her to feel optimistic about the prospects for the craft show at the Ken Baxter Community Center and Comeford Park during “Merrysville for the Holidays” on Dec. 7.

“Among the highlights of this show were Jennifer Ward’s ‘JW Giftware,’ with her cute jean aprons,” Burgess said. “She had a fire sale, and they sold like hotcakes for $5 each, along with her famous ceramic SOLO cups and deviled egg plates. And Sandy O’Connor always does well, with her cute and affordable holiday themed ornaments. She’s always a great vendor to purchase something nice from, to brighten up your Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas.”

Burgess reported that O’Connor struck up a friendship with her table neighbor, new vendor Karla Dickerson, who sells custom jewelry and leather accessories.

“Karla had a ball being next to Sandy, trading vendor business tips and chatting up a storm,” Burgess said. “They can’t wait to meet up again at ‘Merrysville for the Holidays.’”

Another returnee, whose work has become a fan favorite among seasonal craft show attendees, was “Jerry’s Iron Creations.”

“Jerry Olmstead is always a delight when he shares his rough metal iron work,” Burgess said. “Every year he tops himself with a fun, quirky item. This year he featured his ‘Bicycle Lawn Mower.’”

Burgess also took care to thank the Hillside Church for selling coffee and goodies to those who stopped by.

Marysville’s Neil and Robin Neyman are also regulars at the craft shows and the annual Homegrown Street Festival on Third Street. Although they’ve traveled 100 miles to hawk their humorous home decor items — including “Redneck Wind Chimes,” made out of old beer cans, and a “Redneck Bird Bath,” made out of an old toilet plunger — they wouldn’t dream of missing a local show.

“I live in Bothell now, but I’m originally from Marysville,” said Tonia Wong, as she and her daughters Josie and Addison perused the unique wares on display. “I just feel strongly about supporting local folks.”

If anyone saw something at the show they liked, Burgess would be happy to connect you with any of the vendors. Just contact her via email at mburgess@marysvillewa.gov.