Mammoth Fest draws faithful, builds crafter business

Events like Mammoth Fest give local crafters doing something they love a way to share their products with the masses.

Oftentimes, a buyer at a small, local event turns into a loyal customer.

“We do get repeat business when we’re out and about,” said Nancy Sanner of Hempfield.

She makes jewelry while husband Rich Sanner creates decorative wood items. Through their Creations by Rich and Nancy, both have been able to capitalize on their hobbies — one Nancy Sanner started as a way to keep busy while quitting smoking.

“I love it, I love being out in the public talking to people,” she said.

Shoppers perused dozens of booths along the walking path at Mammoth Fest Sunday at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township. Meanwhile, other festival goers interacted with animals at a petting zoo, bought food and took turns on carnival rides and games. A couple bands played and youngsters could get up close with rescued animals through Exotic Edventures.

Chris Goodman of Youngwood took his 4-year-old daughter, Emilia, down a colorful slide on a burlap bag.

“I like supporting any community events,” he said.

Those community events can be key to helping crafters expand their reach. The Sanners have been doing shows for about 10 years, though they are cutting back some.

“We do this one almost every single year,” Nancy Sanner said.

But it was Karen Morris’ first time at Mammoth Fest peddling her hand-sewn baby, dog and household items, such as bibs, bandanas and table runners. The South Park woman started Fashionably Chic Baby as a way to keep boredom away during retirement.

“I make everything myself and I go to my basement to shop for my fabric, that’s how much fabric I have,” she said laughing.

She started getting into shows after the coronavirus pandemic and now travels around the area finding new customers.

“The shows, they get me out there,” Morris said. “I meet wonderful people.”