Holy Hill Arts & Crafts Fair draws 10K guests

The Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair is back after a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and turnout was strong for its 47th year hosting the fundraising event.

"Everyone is exuberant," said Father Mark-Joseph DeVelis.

Hundreds of local crafters and artisans got to show off their work in one of the biggest craft fairs in the state.

"We’ve been kind of tied down due to COVID, and people now just want to break loose and have fun and this is a great place to do it," said DeVelis.

Close to 10,000 people head up to Holy Hill for the one-day event – knowing they were going to see some of the best artisan and crafters in the state all while giving back to the church.

"It’s the sale of the food, as well as the silent auction items that are purchased, that likewise come to Holy Hill," DeVelis said.

Father DeVelis

Many vendors said spending time with their fellow artists makes it a great show.

"It isn’t so much about making money, it's about meeting people," said Scott Gretzon of G’pas WoodWorks. "We love meeting the people. We talk more than we worry about making money and selling product. It’s great to be here."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Not to mention the fact that shows like this coming back is crucial for small businesses.

"Shows are, you know, you look at 50-60%of your income comes from these shows versus online, and they’re just fun," said Stephanie Ciaglo of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Etc.

Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair

Holy Hill just has that special feeling that brings vendors back year after year.

"The grounds are gorgeous, the leaves are just starting to turn. The crowds. It's always busy. The weather is always beautiful. I just have to keep coming back," Ciaglo said.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

Featured

Preacher attacked outside Milwaukee school amid abortion debate

Milwaukee police are investigating after a group of young people attacked a street preacher near Riverside University High School.

Featured

Waukesha florist beautifies Ryder Cup; 'Everything has to be just perfect'

The Ryder Cup is bringing a lot of excitement to our state, especially one florist in Waukesha.

Featured

Racine Zoo Amur tiger dies from complications during routine exam

The Racine Zoo is mourning the passing of one of its two Amur tigers.