By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Families strolled about Saturday’s sunshine, up and down the northside streets around Collett Park, visiting neighbors and checking out crafts.
“The weather’s a big help,” Teri Lankston said outside a garage at 901 Collett Ave. as dozens passed through, looking at handmade crafts, cookies and pumpkin rolls, about 11:30 a.m. that morning.
Lankston works for McMillan Adult Care Center, and proceeds from her group’s sales go toward the center as a fundraiser, she explained. Saturday marked her fifth year participating in the 17th Annual Collett Park Christmas Craft Walk.
Seventeen homes in the 2000 block of North Sixth through 12th streets donned new names for the day, like “Christmas Goodies,” “Woven Wonders,” and “Picture Perfect Christmas,” as scores of vendors grouped inside selling hand-woven blankets, candies and pottery.
Arlene Jennings’ house at 2324 N. 10th St. was decked out in Christmas fare, the first floor filled with homemade baskets, candy and music, with a large and ornate tree in the front.
“I started decorating a couple weeks ago,” she said, noting the Christmas tree went up Nov. 6. “I’ve been weaving baskets several months to get ready for this,” she said of her crafts for sale.
Three other women joined her in selling crafts from the home. Cups of chicken and noodles were for sale, along with cookies and pies sold whole or by the slice.
Sally Rubey, of Riley, was making jewelry in the home as dozens passed through to look and eat. She’s had her business, Beads and More, for about 10 years.
“It’s all handmade,” she said of the various bracelets and necklaces. “I enjoy it.”
Further down the street, Chauncey Rose Middle School student Hailey Reynolds had her own handiwork up on the block. The seventh grader has been producing scarves and sleeves for two years. “I finger-knit,” she said, demonstrating the practice as she wove brightly colored scarves.
Her mother, Laura, and two other women were entertaining guests at the 2605 N. 10th St. home, noting good traffic throughout the morning.
Christmas music was on the stereo as the group sold homemade dog treats, candles, jewelry and purses. Reynolds said this is her sixth year participating in the Walk, and noted weather tends to impact attendance, and this year’s sunny day was helping quite a bit.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
