Antioch Arts Faire draws a fair crowd

When Darlene Haynes made a personalized toddler chair for her 2-year-old grandson out of a 5-gallon bucket, she didn't intend to start a business.

The wildly successful idea, however, hatched a family business in which here husband, Paul, cuts and sands each bucket and screws a plywood plank into the bottom for support. Darlene Haynes then personalizes each one using colored duct tape. Shown seated in his toddler chair, grandson Carter Michael Behof models the product on the company's business cards and promotional materials.

"These are not hard to do, but they're a lot of fun," said the Lindenhurst crafter who got her start fashioning macramé and ceramic items.

Haynes was among 130 artisans displaying handmade work Saturday at Antioch's annual Fall Arts and Crafts Faire.

Autumn decorations such as metal pumpkin lanterns and glow-in-the-dark ghost sculptures were hot sellers at Seasonal Sunsations, said Margie Axelson of Long Lake.

"This is the first time we've exhibited here, and it's been very busy," she said.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 shoppers were expected to attend the fair over the weekend, said Barbara Porch, executive director of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The chamber also sponsors a summer Arts and Crafts Faire and will add new fairs in winter and spring next year.

"During the 12 years that we have been holding this, the number of booths has grown from 60 to 130. The artists all put their personal touch on the items," Porch said.

Shoppers could choose from a variety of crafts including woods, metals, ceramics, apparel, candles, jewelry, photography, purses, paintings and photography. There also was a farmer's market.

"This fair has a wide variety of items that are all very nice," said Mary Sebben of Wadsworth, showing a stained-glass candle topper and base she had discovered.

The Faire continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Orchard Street and Skidmore Drive.