Belly dancers perform at the 7c’s Winery Mead Fest Sept. 27. The dancers were part of Red Moon Studio in Springfield, which started in March 2004.

By Elizabeth Woods

It’s that time of year when the weather gets colder and craft shows start to pop up. Artist and venders come from all over to show off unique handmade products including; jewelry, food, pottery, and paintings.

Most craft shows are set up downtown or at historical marks. Fair Grove Heritage Reunion is set up at a grist mill and is one of only two “steamed powered” grist mills that are still able to work in the United States. Apple Cider days is set up on Historic Walnut street here in Springfield, Missouri.

On Sept. 26-27 Fair Grove Heritage Reunion was held at the historic mark of the old grist mill. There was between 25,000 and 30,000 people that showed up for the event. Among 325 vendors and their know-how energy, there is always something for everyone in the family, even for those in the four-legged family.

“This year went really well,” Michelle Warnecke said, creator of Remember Me Jewelry. “I am just pooped out now. Sunday was not as crazy as Saturday, but it came close.”

On Sept. 27, 7c’s Winery held their sixth annual Mead Fest, which is a mix of wine tasting and a throwback to medieval days. Live music was performed by Rowans Crossing and belly dancing by Red Moon Studio, and barbeque and turkey legs were for sale as well.

7c’s Winery is a family owned business, and approximately every month the winery holds some kind of event.

“Our Festivals are designed to give people an opportunity to escape and unwind from their daily grind,” Dwight Crevelt said, who is part owner of 7c’s Winery. “We theme many of them to add greater appeal and have theme appropriate activities to participate in, or they can simple relax, enjoy some wine and the music.

“Vendors are a minor part of our festivals. We allow vendors at several events to give them exposure, but we do not charge our vendors as we cannot guarantee the attendance or interest in their products. We do limit vendors to one of any type and sometimes to theme appropriate vendors [such as Mead Fest].”

Some people work day and night to set up a craft show and start several months before hand because budgeting money, getting venders, setting dates, making sure everything is going right takes a lot of time.

“We usually start right after the event ends to start planning for the next one,” Lisa Campbell said, helper of Route 66 Festival.

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