Vendors new and old show off crafts at Lake County Fair
Jul. 27—Many attendees strolled about the Lake County Fair on its second full day, Family Day, and participated in the rides, attractions, show events and more, even as on-and-off rain showers threatened to soak anyone who could not find cover.
Spread out among the fair attractions, local vendors could be found selling various crafts or services.
From the Heart Candles and Crafts
Roger and Rae Lytle came to the Lake County Fair for the first time to sell soy candles and "redneck" glassware, including nut and candy dispensers, solar lights, tiki torches and more.
According to Rae, in terms of opportunities to meet new people and sell their goods, the Lytles' first summer at county fairs has been rewarding.
"It's very encouraging," she said, adding, "I think it's something we're going to continue doing."
While this is their first year attending county fairs, the Lytles have brought From the Heart, which started as a post-retirement business in North Bloomfield in Trumbull County, to craft shows for 12 years.
Both the Lytles have years of experience in crafts. Rae said that she started sewing as a child, and she has had a sewing business for more than three decades. Roger said that he's been working with wood since his father first showed him how to use a saw.
The inspiration for their "redneck" line of glassware came as the Lytles were trying to find uses for old glass jars.
"We inherited about 300 canning jars from [Roger's] grandparents, and when we stopped gardening, we said, 'What are we going to do with all these canning jars?'" Rae explained.
They added candles, as she anticipated they would sell well.
Rae said that their experience at the Lake County Fair has been positive so far.
"I think the people up here are wonderful, they're very polite and very helpful," she said. "The fair people themselves have been very helpful, and the other vendors around have been great."
She also expressed appreciation for the cleanliness of the fair, adding, "it makes a difference."
"I think we'll be back next year, I'm sure," she said.
In addition to the Lake County Fair, the Lytles plan to visit county fairs in Ashtabula and Portage counties later this summer. From the Heart Candles and Crafts can be reached at 330-583-2042.
Stronghold Creations
While vendors such as the Lytles are selling homemade goods at the fair, a nearby vendor named Shelly Lagania is back for what is around her sixth year painting customers with henna patterns.
Lagania said that she has more than 17 years of henna experience, though she has been doing it regularly for about six years.
She said that henna paste is created from a plant powder and oils, and it dyes the uppermost layer of the skin. Depending on how long it is left on, the pattern can last for up to three weeks.
"It's a passion; it's a form of art," Lagania said. While she had a binder with sample designs at the fair, she said that she also does custom designs.
She added, "I'm local and I just love the county fair, so to be a part of a fair is to keep it continuing, is to keep it going, so I feel very proud to be able to be a part of it and invest the time so they can keep the fair."
In addition to the Lake County Fair, Lagania also attends the Great Geauga County Fair and does henna work at other events including birthday parties, school carnivals, church events, special occasions and upon request. She can be reached at strongholdcreate@gmail.com.
Chainsaw Carvings
Many sounds can be heard at a county fair, from the excited cheers and screams of children on rides to the neighing and bleating of sheep. But among those sounds at the Lake County Fair, Shari Staiduhar's chainsaw can be heard for the second year in a row cutting away at wooden sculptures.
Her tent at the fair included various animals, including frogs, cardinals, eagles, bunnies, bears and moose. Other carvings for sale celebrated Cleveland and Ohio State sports and honored various branches of the military.
As reported by the News-Herald last year, Staiduhar taught herself chainsaw carving around 25 years ago, after seeing the finished products on a trip to Colorado.
"I love carving. Like I said, I've been doing it for 25 years, it's in my blood for sure," she said, adding that she enjoys it when her work "puts smiles on people's faces."
In addition to the Lake County Fair, Staiduhar will also attend the Great Geauga County Fair, the Streetsboro Bicentennial, and the Paul Bunyan Show in Lore City, Ohio, near Cambridge.
More information can be found on her Facebook page, Chainsaw Carvings by Shari Staiduhar. She can also be reached at 440-897-3748.
More vendors and displays
More vendors at the fair include North Olmsted-based Cutter's Corner, which offers leather products. Other organizations can be found throughout the fair and inside a vendor building. Additionally, the Lake County Fair offers an art display.
Lake County Fair
The fair runs through July 31 at the fairgrounds at 1301 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily; exhibit buildings and midway open at noon daily.
General admission is $10. Admission includes all exhibits, free midway shows, some grandstand shows and rides (except for live pony rides and special attractions).
July 28 is Kids Day. Kids 14 and under are admitted free all day with an adult 21 and older.
Get more information at lakecountyfair.org.
