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Editor's Note:
The craft show and charity auction have been postponed due to the forecast of thundershowers. The craft show and auction will take place Sunday, July 18. The craft show will last from noon to 5 p.m. The auction will begin at 2 p.m.
The Blair County Historical Society is holding a craft show and charity auction to benefit the society. The free event will take place on the lawn of The Baker Mansion. The craft show is from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. with the auction beginning at 2 p.m.
Events coordinator for the historical society Kate Rimbeck said that they are focusing on Blair County arts and crafts vendors, who will be selling a wide variety of items.
The auction is going to be done by Jason Clapper from Clapper Auctions.
“We have a lot of donated items that will be auctioned off,” Rimbeck said.
She added that because of COVID-19, the historical society had to shut down. This shut down, in combination with federal and state funding being cut years ago for museums, has caused some hardships for the society.
The society relies on the tours and events, grants, donations and memberships. Because of the shut down, they didn’t have the events or tours to help sustain their funding that helps keep the mansion open.
“The auction is going to help,” said Rimbeck. “We have to get a new roof. We have to get a new driveway. There are a lot of things that need to be done to the mansion.”
Some of the auction items include a Joe Servello framed painting and a water color from local artist Michael Allison. Other items include handcrafted arts, crafts and jewelry. There will also be a section dedicated to Blair County family-owned and small businesses who donated gift baskets and gift certificates.
Rimbeck said that donations are still being accepted. To donate, go to the website http://www.blairhistory.org/events and fill out the appropriate form.
Donations can be dropped off at the museum’s gift shop, which is open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. After dropping off a donation, email Rimbeck at events@blairhistory.org and she will pick the item up.
The society is also still accepting new vendors. It is $35 per table. This form can also be found at http://www.blairhistory.org/events or email Rimbeck at events@blairhistory.org. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card. Credit cards are accepted online on the events page of the society’s website.
Rimbeck said that the inspiration for the event quite simply came when the events committee got together and thought about different events that they could do for 2021. They wanted to do something that not only would benefit the historical society but would also support the community and bring everyone together.
“By doing an auction, it allows people to come out,” said Rimbeck. “It is an outdoor event. It is a great opportunity for people to get out and have fun. Auctions are very exciting and riveting. It is a great chance for everyone to come together to benefit a great cause.”
The mansion will be open for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the last tour beginning at 2 p.m. Cost for the tours is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 12 and under, and children under three admitted for free.
According to Rimbeck, there are some other great events coming up at the mansion. Sundays on the Lawn are free admission as well. The next event is scheduled for July 18 with Bone Jacked, a southern rock band, performing.
Rimbeck said that they also have movie nights where they partner with Blair County Drug and Alcohol. Participants bring their own lawn chair. Admission is free.
On Aug. 28, the historical society is having an old-time fair. It is going to include a beard and mustache contest and a scavenger hunt. There will be a demonstration on taking an unruly beard and creating a masterpiece.
According to Rimbeck, the society is also looking for vendors for this event. Any type of vendor can participate, but there is limited space, with a goal of approximately 30 vendors. It is also $35 per table.
For an updated list of events, visit their website or their Facebook page-www.facebook.com/BakerMansion.
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