Slight Detour: Saturday Slight

I spent some time at the Bonner County Fairgrounds yesterday afternoon.

The scene inside the main exhibit hall truly represents a wonderful world.

Exquisite holiday-oriented gifts abound, as do the practical. There's a booth filled with books by local authors, and I saw another table with an assortment of colorful dog collars.

I spent some time visiting with a few vendors, most of whom I share an educational connection, i.e., former students or people associated with former students.

Diana Bostock Tillberg will be at this weekend's Christmas Crafts Sale with a large display of her "On the Wall Art.

I've purchased a few products from Diana over the years and am especially fond of her Lake Pend Oreille art. She also offers renditions of Big Foot.

A few feet away from Diana's booth, Jaycie Irish Ducken (Lucky Duck Creativity) and her mom Melissa Irish will be selling beautiful ornaments created from wood as well as a variety wreaths, containers and wall art.

I spent some time visiting with Pam Dawson from Rathdrum at her Western-oriented booth for the first time ever. It wasn't long, though, before I learned she has some deep roots here in the area.

Her mom Sandy Schoonover Dawson was one of my students. It was fun reminiscing about various members of her family, including "Mr. Dawson aka Lorance" who worked as our custodian at Sandpoint High School for a number of years.

Amy Sawyer Peterson, another former student and award-winning photographer (Selkirk Ridge Photography) will be on hand throughout the fair to take pictures with Santa (10-2 p.m.) and without Santa (2-4 p.m.)

The craft sale opens today and runs through tomorrow. Times are 10-4 each day.

From what I saw yesterday, the offerings are amazing.

It looks like it's going to be a fun and festive weekend at the fairgrounds.

I read in an article earlier this week that the Christmas Fair honors the memory of former fair manager Rhonda Livingstone who initiated the annual event.