5 minute read
Festival Celebrates 25 Years
Shawnee tradition set for October 26.
Article by Corinn Guemmer
Photos courtesy Tom Fleeman/City of Shawnee
The Holiday Treasures Craft Festival in Shawnee is a cherished community tradition that has grown and evolved over the years. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the festival is set for October 26. The festival was revived in 1999 thanks to Tonya Lecuru, the current Parks and Recreation director. Inspired by the retired Spirit of Shawnee Holiday Craft Festival that ended in the 1990s, Lecuru saw an opportunity to bring back a beloved fall tradition. Her dedication to the event has helped transform it into a highly anticipated occasion, drawing vendors and attendees from across the Kansas City metro area.
Located in the Shawnee Civic Centre, the annual festival hosts a wide range of creativity and craftsmanship. In recognizing the festival’s 25th anniversary, organizers saw it as a perfect time to celebrate the artisans who continue to create and sell handmade items. The event focuses on the variety and quality of crafts, with an impressive lineup of vendors offering everything from holiday décor and fine arts to wood crafts, jewelry, ceramics, candles, and floral arrangements.
For first-time attendees, it’s worth noting that the event tends to be busiest before and after lunch. Parks and Recreation recreation program manager Matt Mann, who is involved with the festival’s organization, advises arriving around noon or 3 p.m. to secure a closer parking spot. “The entrance to the Civic Centre is at the front, and there’s no lower entrance to the facility, so plan accordingly,” Mann says. The best part? There’s no admission fee, so visitors can simply head to 13817 Johnson Drive and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
One-of-a-Kind Gifts
One of the most appealing aspects of the festival is the emphasis on handmade items. All the participating vendors create their products themselves, ensuring that attendees are purchasing original, high-quality crafts. From traditional jewelry makers and wood turners to those offering more contemporary items, such as 3D-printed creatures and charcuterie boards, there’s something for everyone.
Among the many talented vendors is Brenda Mize, who has been participating in the Shawnee Holiday Treasures Craft Festival for 18 years. What began as a hobby for Mize—creating unique craft items for friends and family— quickly turned into a business.
“Focusing on craft shows and custom orders allows me to create unique items and the flexibility to work on orders around my daily schedule,” Mize says. This year, her booth will feature a variety of holiday paper crafts, earrings, ornaments, laser-engraved trivets, coasters, and serving boards. “Our most popular items are our cork trivets, which we laser engrave with funny sayings or trending images. We try to offer a few new items each year along with our usual crafts,” she says.
Mize’s favorite part of the festival is her connection with customers. “The Shawnee Civic Center staff really makes it a seamless process, and all the vendors are so friendly. But the best part is when the customers step into our booth and find joy in our products. Many customers say they come every year to buy items for friends, family, teachers, students, and events. That connection makes all the hard work worth it,” she says.
The festival is not just a professional opportunity for Mize; it’s also personally significant. “The first time I participated in the festival was just to get myself outside of my comfort zone. It has evolved into a business that allows me to create and sell products that make others happy. It’s a group effort with my husband, sons, and a close friend all working together to make it happen. We look forward to seeing all the familiar faces every year at the craft festival.”
A Winning Combination
What sets the Holiday Treasures Craft Festival apart from other craft shows is its combination of community spirit and convenience. Since it’s held indoors, attendees can count on being able to shop comfortably, regardless of the weather.
The festival showcases the talent of local crafters, and a local Boy Scout troop offers concessions, making it easy to grab a meal or treat while shopping.
As the festival celebrates its 25th year, its organizers are excited about the possibilities for the future. Mann shares that there are hopes to enhance the holiday atmosphere in the coming years, perhaps with live music or a visit from Santa.
The Holiday Treasures Craft Festival is a testament to the appeal of handmade crafts and the importance of community support. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the festival offers a unique opportunity to discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind items while supporting local small businesses. As Mize says, “It’s a gift that keeps on giving,” and for the Shawnee community, it’s a tradition worth celebrating.
For More
Shawnee Civic Centre
12817 Johnson Drive
Call Matt Mann with questions or for more information, 913-742-6405 Visit www.cityofshawnee.org and search for Holiday Treasures Craft Festival
