Sun smiles on Elburn Days

If Mother Nature wanted to make up for last year's downpours that diminished the fun and profits of the 2007 Elburn Days, she could hardly have done a better job with the weather Saturday.

With blue skies, a gentle breeze and temperatures about 80 degrees in late morning, the 26 crafters featured in this year's Elburn Days arts and crafts show could hardly have asked for more. Except customers.

"I haven't sold a thing yet," said Cindy Lou Strbavy of Bloomington, who was displaying her hand-painted planters and lighted wine bottles. It was her first foray into selling at a real craft show.

The morning hours saw just handfuls of people checking out the booths that offered a variety of items, including bracelets made of silver-plated spoons, specialty dog treats and pet IDs, doll clothes, and bags in which to bake potatoes in the microwave that will leave them fluffy, not tough.

Although sales didn't seem to be booming, it was just the beginning. For the first time, the crafts show at Elburn Days runs both Saturday and Sunday rather than just one day. The car show that took up the same space on Sundays in the past will be a separate event Sept. 7.

Polly Ruzic of the Elburn Chamber of Commerce, who was co-chair of the arts and crafts event, was optimistic as she checked in on her crafters. Ruzic had recruited Strbavy after seeing her art at a school fundraiser in St. Charles.

"There are so many things going on in the park, people will be stopping here," Ruzic said. "Having the show for two days will make a change. I see the show growing. It makes a real difference when you don't have to pack up after just one day."

Brett Gamble of Darien, Wisc., who was selling his mother's wire jewelry as well as other novelty jewelry, remembers getting rained out last year.

"I think we still did well last year despite the rain and I wanted to come back," he said. "But the crafting business is down a bit. People are buying gas for their cars rather than trinkets."

Business appeared to be better in downtown Elburn, where a steady stream of bargain hunters poured over the used furniture, toys and clothes at rummage sales at the Community Congregational Church and at St. Gall's Catholic Church.

At St. Gall's, clothing was available for $4 for a small bag and $10 for a large bag after 11 a.m.

"Donations were up this year and so were sales," said Annette Theobald of Kaneville, co-chair of the rummage sale.

Elburn Days continues today from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Lions Park.