Outdoor spring events in Andover mean one thing — organizers should have a Plan B.
This year — after plenty of experience with Mother Nature's bad side — Crafts in the Park has just that. If the weather does not cooperate this Saturday, the popular downtown event will move indoors to the field house at Andover High School the next day, Sunday, May 11.
It's been a rain or shine event for years, but the severe rainy weather of the last four springs has forced organizers to rethink that strategy.
"We had the flooding four years ago, then the next year it was very high winds causing tents to blow over, and then rain," said organizer Kay Grace of Andover. "So, this year we have planned an indoor rain date."
Vendors were glad to hear of the plan, since they are stocked with crafts and ready to sell. About 100 vendors have signed up for the 33rd annual Crafts in the Park, at the downtown Park at the corner of Bartlet and Chestnut streets.
Crafter Sara Rose of Andover is one of them.
Rose, a native who grew up attending the event, makes hair accessories for girls and book clips for boys. A stay-at-home mom whose daughter, Hannah Rose, attends kindergarten at Shawsheen School, this former teacher is happy to be involved.
"It's a perfect venue for me," said Rose, who lives on High Street. "My hair accessories are very girly and making them has been a lot of fun."
Her girly hair clips, which cost $2 to $3, have sold well at Andover Book Store since she decided to take a stab at selling them. Due to that success, she's trying Crafts in the Park.
Rose also has learned to stray from strictly girly themes. Apparently, putting a baseball on a hair clip with red and white ribbon seems to be a popular way for many local girls to salute the Boston Red Sox, she said. Her baseball clips have been a commercial hit.
As for all the boys who often ask Rose what she has for them, she's made book clips. She said her book clips are good for chapter books and brothers won't feel left out at her booth.
Other crafts include note cards, watercolor paintings and jewelry. Grace said crafters from across New England are taking part, as usual.
EVENT SNAPSHOT
Crafts in the Park
Saturday, May 10
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free admission
Proceeds benefit AFS scholarships (formerly American Field Services)
corner of Chestnut and Bartlet streets
For information: 978-475-6829
Rain date: Sunday, May 11, Andover High School field house, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
