Arianna Rodriguez
Staff Writer
The 37th Annual Village Venture Arts and Crafts Faire in Claremont Village welcomed guests and vendors to kick off the holiday season.
The fair was hosted by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce where they kicked off the day with the Children’s Halloween Costume Parade.
Children from the local community dressed up as their favorite characters and happily paraded their outfits, such as characters from “The Incredibles” and an array of princesses, as upbeat Halloween music down played on Bonita Avenue.
Katniss Xtina is owner of Katch Supply, where she sells iron-on patches that she imports all the way from Thailand. Her booth included a display of numerous iron-on patches exhibiting crazy designs of all sizes.
“It’s my first time bringing my patches out here and I love it because it has been a hit so far with the younger crowd because they like to attach patches to their denim,” Xtina said.
Diana Gonzales, owner of Lavender Apothecary, makes homemade soy candles from home, was attending the event for the first time.
“I make eco-friendly candles that are clean burning infused with essential oils and smell fantastic. I have a home studio where I do this and make around 300 to 400 candles a week,” Gonzales said.
Fairgoers enjoyed more than 400 booths to shop from, swarmed booths that sold vintage clothing and gift set.
Pumpkin carving for the kids, face painting, live music and an array of options for different international food booths were just the cherry on top of this festival.
This event gave consumers the opportunity to start on their holiday shopping early, and the chance to discover more local, small-scale businesses from the surrounding cities.
“It’s great coming out here in October every year because there is just so many vendors you can go to and buy gifts for the family as an early start instead of stressing last minute like most people do,” said Lissette Ramirez, Downey resident.
“I love bringing the whole family because there is so much to do for everyone and the kids never want to leave,” Jeanette Cervantes from Glendora said.
The fair is put on every year in October at the Claremont Village.
Arianna Rodriguez can be reached at arianna.rodriguez@laverne.edu.
