The 54th Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair will be held on Nov. 6 in the memory of longtime supporter Dr. H.B. ‘Woody’ Bartlett.
Bartlett passed away on June 13, 2021, Fair chair Rhonda Tatum said.
“Without the help and inspiration of Dr. Bartlett over the past 54 plus years, there would be no history of the Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair,” Tatum said. “Dr. Bartlett generously offered his insight, land, pastures and the Historic Marks House to the Fair every year. His huge support of this event remained steadfast. The volunteers of Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair strive and will continue to strive each year to maintain the integrity and hard work Dr. Bartlett helped start the Fair on, which is the love of God, love of family, community, and country.”
She added that Fair volunteers and the Pike Road community would like to thank Woody Bartlett, Jr. and Warren Bartlett, the sons of Dr. Bartlett, for their continued generosity and support in allowing the Fair team to continue the legacy of their dad and the Fair.
The 2020 Fair was cancelled because of COVID, and Tatum senses that vendors and the community are eager for the 2021 edition.
“I believe people are ready for any type of normal they can get, and the Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair has certainly been a ‘normal’ since 1967,” she said. “The reactions from everyone we’ve heard from are excitement, enthusiasm, and just pure joy for the opportunity to enjoy another ‘a fun day in the country’ at the PRACF.”
There will be more than 160 exhibitors at the Fair, including one from a foreign country.
“Our exhibitors are highly qualified and professional artists and crafters with original and unique work, their items are, as I like to say, ‘made from hands and hearts,’” Tatum said.
“We have already started an exhibitor waiting list for 2022 with dozens of great exhibitors who have never been to the Fair and are hoping to be with us next year. That’s exciting! For the first time that I am aware of, we have an exhibitor coming all the way from Canada! There are several from Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia.”
Jessie Lynn, Alabama’s Singing Cowgirl and the reigning Miss Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen, will be a special guest at the Fair, Tatum said. She will be performing the National Anthem on horseback at the opening ceremonies which start at 9 a.m.
“She will also perform for two hours during the day,” Tatum said. “Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be there all day with their sleigh, which will provide great opportunities for Christmas photos and will give all the children, and adults, the opportunity to give Santa their Christmas wishes. Jubilee Farms will be in the Children’s Corner with pony rides and a petting zoo. And last, but not least, there will be two children’s face painters also available in the Children’s Corner.”
The Pike Road Civic Club and the Pike Road Community Club are the two clubs which benefit the most from the proceeds of the PRACF. The funds from the Fair help maintain the beautiful and Historic Marks House and both clubs also support the community. Each year scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who maintain a specific GPA, are active in the community, and in their church. The clubs also donate yearly to Pike Road Schools, the Pike Road Fire department, the Pike Road library, Operation Christmas Child, the Pike Road (Woodland United Methodist Church) Food Pantry, and other charitable organizations.
The Fair will be held at 890 Old Carter Hill Road at the Historic Marks House. The Fair is a huge family tradition for many, and a superb venue for Christmas shopping.
“There is such an array of different exhibitors with beautiful items, everyone can find that perfect gift for everyone on their Christmas list,” Tatum said. “I hear stories from a lot of people each year who remember coming to the Fair with great-grandparents and grandparents when they could barely walk, and they’ve been coming to it since with children of their own. And of course, the PRACF is known for its holiday shopping, homemade baked items, our BBQ Shack, Chicken Shack and our world-famous Mocha Nut Squares!”
Members of the Pike Road Civic & Community Clubs are the primary source of volunteers. Those interested in becoming a member of either club are welcomed to contact the Marks House at P.O. Box 640202, Pike Road, 36064. “We are always looking for new members,” Tatum said.
For more information on the Fair, visit The Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair at the Historic Marks House (pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com).
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/10/24/pike-road-arts-crafts-fair-honor-memory-dr-h-b-woody-bartlett/6169549001/
