Gabby Cushman of Montezuma is a llama lover and collector. She was delighted with her $10 llama purchase at the Lion's Toy and Craft Show.
Story and photos by Roger Allen
The weather cooperated, vendors came from across the state, and the public attended to make the Montezuma Lions Club’s 31st annual Toy and Craft Show held Saturday, Jan. 27 a success. Carrying much of the responsibility for the planning and conducting of the show was William Gregory, for whom it was his first year as show chairman. Gregory said he felt the show went well and thanked all the Lions and others who contributed to its success.
Eyes were drawn to the brightly finished serving trays created by crafter Brittney Gillum of Montezuma. Brittney said comments by customers gave her ideas for more wood products to create for the next show.
Twenty-six exhibitors rented a total of 60 tables. Attendance by the public was estimated at about 150 persons. The morning hours were the busiest but visitors continued to appear throughout the day. Bidding in the silent auction peaked just before the 3:30 p.m. deadline for many of the Dale Earnhardt collectibles that were displayed at the show.
People of all ages were observed smiling as they carried home a sack with a treasure they found for themselves or adult companions purchased for them.
Many door prizes were awarded throughout the day. There were two top prizes awarded in a special fundraiser drawing. Carla Kriegel of Brooklyn won the tractor-shaped shelf unit. Archie Kuntz, also of Brooklyn, won the Model 4586 International toy tractor.
Christine Grier checks out the craftsmanship of “Gramp’s Handmade Leather Goods” with exhibitor David Cummins.Prospective bidders are shown with just a few of the many tables of Dale Earnhardt collectibles that were available for sale in a silent auction.Richard Robbins of Rose Hill with his realistic conversation piece alligator at the toy and craft show.Wood craftsman/hobbyist Tony Langstead of Pella with nearly all-wood models he has made. This was his second year of exhibiting at the Lions’ Toy Show.Montezumans Alisha Thompson and her children, Hunter, at left, and Katelyn, at right, are excited to taste the treat being purchased from toy show exhibitor Lisa Garringer of Webster, who calls her business, “Grandma Lisa’s Kitchen.”Happy seller, happy buyer. Boyd Sparks, at right, receives a model tractor purchase from toy show vendor Pattie Dusenberry of Wilton, Iowa. Her hobby business is called “6th Street Farm Toys”
