2023-10-27 22:14:09
Christmas at The Highlands: West Virginia’s largest craft show expands, boosting local economy and offering unique scholarships
by Gianna DaPra
Friday, Oct 27th 2023
pIt’s Christmas at The Highlands and it’s more holly and jolly than ever as more than 100 new vendors were added this year. /p
OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. —
It’s Christmas at The Highlands and it’s more holly and jolly than ever as more than 100 new vendors were added this year.
This is West Virginia’s largest craft show with hundreds of local businesses gathering at The Highlands Sports Complex spreading lots and lots of holiday cheer.
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Christmas at The Highlands encompasses every type of gift you would want to give – handmade crafts, wood, metal, macrame, decorations, clothes, jewelry, the list goes on.
“We prided ourselves on no duplications, so you’re coming in and seeing that these vendors are all different,” Kevin Carroll, event coordinator, said. “There is such a variety here it makes for a better shopping experience.”
More than 240 vendors pack the site with small businesses from eight different states, like Boho Daisy Boutique that came from Northwestern Pennsylvania and was excited to get out in front of a whole new crowd.
“It benefits everybody because you’re going to get true workman crafted items, going to get unique pieces,” owner Jessica Moss said. “You’re not going to get items that everyone can have access to at Target or Walmart.”
More than 8,000 people are expected to come out this weekend and more than 500 people will work at the event, so the economic impact is huge.
“The hotels are being filled, the restaurants are getting packed, and the economic boost is great for the area as well,” Carroll said.
But aside from giving Christmas gifts, this convention gives scholarships.
Carroll’s father-in-law, Wayne Willhelm, passed away a few years ago and wanted to do something in his name. So, multiple scholarships will be given out for students going to trade school.
“When you go to give scholarships, there are not a lot for trade school kids,” Carroll said.
Organizers are hoping to give five scholarships.
The event is open all weekend.
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