Local Creativity Fills the Proctor Fairgrounds

PROCTOR, Minn. — Excitement is building as the Proctor Fairgrounds comes to life again.

The afternoon of Oct. 10, vendors began setting up for the second annual Craft and Vendor show, featuring between 60 and 80 local vendors and creators. The free event runs Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers can expect to find handmade jewelry, soaps, and art pieces, showcasing the unique craftsmanship of our community.

If all that shopping works up an appetite, The Gumbeaux Guys, Grilled Cheese Galore, and Proctor Pizza will be among the ten food trucks serving up a variety of local favorites.

“You’re supporting your neighbors, and your purchase pays for people’s T-ball uniform or their hockey lessons or braces, and I think that most of the vendors are much more grateful for that, especially at this point in time where everything is so outrageously expensive,” said Event Organizer, Lisa Lepak.

We spoke with 10-year-old Frankie, the owner of “Francesca’s Studio.” She’s been creating her artwork for two and a half years. Tomorrow, her booth will feature handcrafted goods such as paintings, jewelry, and candles.

“Learning how to sell things and learn how to count money and make sales, because when I’m an adult, I’m gonna need those skills, and it’s better to learn them now than when I’m an adult.” “I have my own animals. I have my own pony, I have my own cat. I need to make money for stuff for them,” said Frankie Hamilton, owner of Francesca’s Studio.

Vendors still have time to join. Setup will continue into the morning of Oct. 11, around 8 a.m., before the show begins, offering a great chance to support the local economy and celebrate small businesses.