IFC hosts 63rd craft show to benefit exchange program
TOWAMENCIN- With 104 booths and about 92 crafters, the NP International Friendship committee hosted their annual holiday craft market on Saturday, November 19th. Since 1983, the IFC has hosted a total of 63 shows, which grant students with the opportunity to study abroad.
In addition to the holiday show, the IFC hosts an annual spring show. However, comparing the Saturday’s show to that of last November, Ted Knauss, President of the IFC, explained that the success and turnout had undoubtedly improved.
Knauss also pointed out that he not only heard positive reviews of the show, but also noticed a significant number of new customers. Because he works the crowd all day, he chats with the customers to get an understanding of their experience, number of years they’ve attended, and where they’ve travelled from.
In addition, Knauss discussed the importance of cultivating a positive environment for everyone in attendance, whether it be the crafters, custodians, volunteers, or customers.
“Most of the artists were very happy today,” stated Knauss. “Most of the customers were happy, and the volunteers are happy. They cooperate so much; I’m so thankful for the volunteers. I can tell you, if you put that equation, happy artists plus happy customers plus happy volunteers, then that has to equal success.”
However, explaining that the shows have proven to be a complete success year after year, Knauss pointed out that the amount of time dedicated to preparation and organization is crucial. He explained that a day hardly passes by that doesn’t involve the craft show.
In order to maintain a high quality show, the IFC is selective regarding the artists that can participate. One artist, Dan Watt, an employee from Eldreth Pottery, stated that he started attending the shows with the owner of the business. With the assistance of his wife, Watt sells soft glaze and red-ware pottery.
“I came with him 1986; this is my 60th time coming twice a year, but he came a couple years before that,” stated Watt.
In addition to the craft show, Watt explained he and the other Eldreth employees sell their handmade ware at stores located in Strasburg, Oxford, and Lahaska, PA. Watt also mentioned that the people and students are the main reason he returns each year.
A larger portion of the volunteers at the show proved to be students that have studied abroad or students from Spain, Germany, and France that are currently studying at NPHS. Nolan Marett, a senior that studied in Madrid, Spain last year and vice president of the IF club, was among the numerous students that stayed after school the day before the show to help the crafters set up.
Marett was also in attendance the day of the show, and he explained his appreciation for the IFC.
“I’m really thankful for the IFC for sending me abroad and all the other exchange students,” stated Marett. “I think that the craft show is an amazing thing to have. It’s so cool to see the community come together, the IFC, and all the exchange students fund our exchange and really help out to make our year the best.”
Veronica Muñoz, an exchange student from Madrid, Spain and member of the IF club, is currently studying at NPHS, and like Marett, she volunteered both Friday and Saturday for the craft show. Muñoz expressed her gratitude for the IFC.
“The IFC is the most amazing thing ever,” said Muñoz. “I find it amazing how they can give the opportunity for people to go to another country, and they give people the opportunity to come here.”
As the students illustrated their appreciation for the IFC’s craft show, Knauss expressed his undying passion for the program.
“My passion is giving people opportunities,” explained Knauss. “[The show] is a result of that passion. My passion is for the kids to give them opportunities.”