WAVERLY TWP. - For the first time in its nearly three-decades-long history, the Artisans' Marketplace at the Waverly Community House offered a different kind of art: bread.
Loaves of olive, pecan raisin, white sesame and cheese bread provided a new twist to this weekend's show famous for its handblown glass, decorative pottery and other fine arts.
"It's something we've been looking to add for years, but it took until now to bring artisan foods here," show chairwoman Michele Hughes said. "I think it's important to keep making adjustments and additions, so people continue coming back."
In addition to the artisan bread prepared by the Beta Bread Bakery in Clarks Summit, the 29th annual Artisans' Marketplace on Sunday featured jewelry, vases, ornaments and handmade scarves.
The two-day show, which hosted 33 vendors, is the Comm's biggest annual fundraiser.
But it's also a chance for the community house to help fuel the local economy, Ms. Hughes said.
Of the vendors who participated in the show, 18 are located within Lackawanna County - a number organizers hope to increase in the coming years.
"It's important that we keep focusing on helping businesses in the community," Ms. Hughes said, as she pointed to James Simrell Designs, a Clarks Summit-based jewelry store.
A first-timer at the show, Michael Bonczar, of Clarks Summit, who owns Beta Bread, walked past the tables lined with clothing, paintings and photographs, finally stopping at a wall of Santas.
"These are amazing," said Mr. Bonczar, as he scanned the dozens of miniature Santas dressed in different outfits, some holding baby foxes in their laps. "I've never seen anything quite like it."
Created by John Saint of Delhi, N.Y., the collectible Santas have been a hot commodity at the show for more than 20 years.
Each Santa is designed with old fabric, whether it's old scarves, fur coats or tapestry, Mr. Saint said. As difficult as it is to continue coming up with new costume ideas, he said he has to appease his very loyal customers.
"They expect new ones, collectibles they haven't seen before," Mr. Saint said. "It's the least I can do, especially because this show has provided me with such a great opportunity.
"I am already brainstorming ideas for next year's show."
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter