4 decades long and still going strong

There will be no shortage of unique wares this Saturday when the Hartley Country Crafters Annual Craft Show convenes for its 40th rendition.

"It's amazing we've come this far," said Mary Rons, who organizes the event. "It's a great way to start off the holiday shopping season with quality workmanship and have a good time meeting everybody."

As far as Rons can find, the event was first coordinated by Nancy Long and a group of her friends. The inaugural craft show boasted 11 vendors and was held at Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club.

Rons recalled a lot of woodcrafts back then and other goods that sported a "rustic, country look."

"It was just a bunch of gals doing handy, crafty things that got together to see if anyone wanted to buy it," she said. "I remember one lady had her stuff draped over the bar in the country club. That's one whimsical memory I always remember from those early years."

Rons and Jan Hall eventually started co-organizing the event, with Rons taking over by herself 29 years ago. It moved to the Hartley Community Center in 1991 and has remained there since.

According to Rons' records, the craft show's watermark was 24 vendors one year.

"It has definitely grown," she said

Saturday's event will feature 12 vendors peddling a variety of goods ranging from crafts to lotions to pickles. Rons said most vendors hail from northwest Iowa, with a few coming from southwest Minnesota.

Doors open on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. Concessions will be provided by the I.E.F. Club.

"If you've never been to our show, come give us a look," said Rons. "It's really fun and it's nice place where you can meet your friends."