Fair featuring vendors and psychic readers raises money for local veterans
Thu, 04/27/2023 - 11:59am
caleb
Third annual event held at American Legion Post 106 on Saturday, April 22
By:
Caleb Casey | Managing Editor
Organizers reported record fundraising numbers and good turnout for the 3rd Annual Event For Crawford County Veterans (Psychic Fair, Artisans, Vendors, Food) held at American Legion Post 106 on Saturday, April 22.
“We’ve got a full house,” said event organizer Mary Becker.
Becker said the 3rd Annual Fair featured 22 vendors and seven psychic readers. The event also had a massage station and The Keg Bar from Waters served coney dogs and chips. Becker said vendors for the event traveled to Grayling from a variety of Michigan towns; they sold arts and crafts and other items.
The event featured two raffles. There was a $5 admission charge, and everyone who paid to get in had a chance to win a wine basket and a window flag (provided by event sponsors Heart of Up North Realty and Transnation Title Agency, respectively). A separate raffle offered people the opportunity to win a cabin lamp provided by Mika and Judy Sumner, Becker said.
Event organizers said vendor fees and admission money from the 3rd Annual Fair “will be used to purchase local merchant gift cards” for Crawford County veterans. The gift cards will be available for local veterans to pick up (date to be announced) at the Veteran Service Office located on Norway Street (one per veteran with military ID), according to organizers.
This year’s event raised $2,225, “the best we have ever done,” according to Becker.
Becker said she started the fundraising event a few years ago in an effort to show appreciation for veterans. Her father served in the military.
“I started the event because I wanted to do something fun and help our local veterans. They deserve a ‘thank you’ and this is just one small gesture to remind them we care,” Becker said.
Becker said the first event was conducted during the pandemic but it was still a success.
“First year was COVID year, so everyone had to wear masks, but we still had a great turnout,” Becker said.
Becker said she plans to bring back the event next year.
“We’re not going to stop,” Becker said.