By Jessica Kenley

Coudersport—A bustling whir of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit filled the air with the Beach Boys in the background to boot at this year’s local model car and vendor show. There were artisans, fundraisers, and entrepreneurs, each with a story as colorful as the wares on their tables.

At the heart of the festivities were Jess Cornelius, Treasurer and owner of Caring Crafts, Rob Hoffman, Location Manager, and the President of Coudersport Car Shows, James Colwell. China Pratt, the Vendor Coordinator, was busy outside cooking food for the event. Nearby, the buzz at the car and vendor show event booth was led by Colwell. “We’ve been doing events in Coudersport for over 14 years. Last year, we did between 20 and 24 events—from online gatherings to in-person shows like this, we’ve even added movie nights, outside–under the stars–for local families,” Colwell explained. He highlighted the group’s “family spirit,” crediting founding members Cornelius and Hoffman for building the meaningful event over time.

Crafted stories didn’t stop at merchandise. Delbert Dane, a retired science teacher behind Nature’s Finds, described a lifelong fascination with unique materials. “A lot of this, like this stuff,” he pointed, “I’ve gotten myself. The shark’s teeth came from Florida. I dredged them up, and the gold I got from North Carolina,” he shared. When asked about the delicate process, Delbert emphasized, “It’s not work. It’s fun.”

Christine Campbell was present and fundraising for veterans through Unit 192 of the American Legion, by way of sales of American-made cutlery. “All proceeds go to the American Legion, a nonprofit,” she noted. “My best show was last month—$500 in sales for the vets!” Campbell proudly recalled.

No fair would be complete without culinary delights. Judy Brown, proud maker of goat milk fudge for over 25 years, showcased her treats and shared a taste. “Combined with Misty Hendershot that’s milking, we have five goats. They aren’t all milking yet, but they will in the near future,” Judy laughed, adding, “You’ll love this, if you like fudge. It’s all natural.”

Literary and artistic talents were also on display. Ashley and Autumn Ford, authors and crafters behind Perfectly Imperfect Creations, presented their non-fiction narrative chronicling “how the Lord brought us through financial hardships during medical trials and uncertainties and child-rearing.”

Laser-engraved artistry caught many eyes at Leslie Seidel’s booth. “They’re almost all of them unique pictures that I’ve designed myself…some from photographs my husband takes,” said Seidel. She’s new to craft shows but already has engraved wooden treasures made from wood sourced from Potter County. 

From Carol McPherson’s festive floral designs to Sandy Lewis’s practical inventions and Heather Miller’s swift laser-engraved coasters, the fair was a showcase of innovation and neighborly pride. 

Trinity Gross, who has been crafting for four years, had the grand finale at her table, with a giant 3-foot crocheted dragon, and hand-made and designed gel nails, among other things.

The event concluded with laughter, photos, and promises to meet at the next community gathering, leaving Potter County’s creative spirit shining brighter than ever.