Fun at the Annual CASA Craft Fair in Coronado

  The Coronado and Area Social Association (CASA) held their 5th Annual Craft Fair last weekend, in the food court level at Coronado Mall. The fair is an opportunity for the area's small vendors to show their products, and for shoppers to pick up unique items in time for Christmas. This year, as last, there were many jewelry makers offering one-of-a-kind items. As usual the baked goods from profitable and charitable groups was superb. A deliciously unusual baked offering was 'Bacon Chocolate Chip Biscotti' by bakers TC and Connie.In addition, the fair saw quilting, party supply rentals, handmade soaps and cosmetics, mold eliminators, senior co-housing, tie dye t-shirts, painters, artists and even orchid growers.The CASA fair has been organized by Louise Belisle since it's inception. Louise, is President of the CASA group this year. CASA is a non profit group which raises money each year for Christmas baskets that are distributed to handicapped children of poor families, who live in the interior. Apart from the Craft Fair, CASA hosts a number of other events through out the year, such as a Christmas Dance and a Beach Picnic.For the past four years, the fair has been held at the Coronado Equestrian Center. I asked Louise what changed this year. "The Equestrian Center was closed earlier this year, when we were looking for places to hold the event. Venues are few and far between that will allow the space for 40 vendors, with proper customer circulation, parking, ventilation and easy access. I think, if we can do it again next year the Coronado Mall would be great choice".

This year's fair attracted more vendors than last year. "We had 40 tables, over last year's 30. We also had people come from Chiriquí this year. Most of the vendors said it was worth their while and that they will be back next year". Says Louise.

It's no doubt, vendors favor the fair. $25 a table is an amazing price for community exposure. Charitable groups like Spay the Strays and PAL took in donations for their cause, while most vendors made more than the price they paid to be  there.

For photos from the Craft Fair, click here to visit our Facebook Page.