fair exhibit

Red, White and Blue Fair entries were on display at the Nolan Center Tuesday, July 1, 2014. (Katarina Sostaric/KSTK)

The Red, White & Blue Fair will give Wrangell artists their first chance to compete in a local fair, with categories that range from winemaking to woodworking.

The Wrangell Chamber of Commerce organized the fair as a new part of the July Fourth festivities.

Chamber office assistant Shawna Buness said the craft display provides another attraction for Fourth of July visitors.

“So far, we have 120 exhibits and a total of 37 exhibitors, so [it’s a] pretty good turnout for our first year. We were really excited about that,” Buness said.

Dennis Mann stopped by the fair to display his poetry. He said this event will make it easier for Wrangell artists to earn more recognition for their work.

“This is our first shot at a fair,” Mr. Mann said. “It’s a craft fair and a chance for local artists to display their works. It’s a good thing.”

Laura Lee Mann entered her artwork in the recycling and craft categories.

“I brought things that I’ve beachcombed off the beach and made something into,” Mrs. Mann said. “It’s the best way around here to have something to do outside, quick and easy, is go to the beach. That’s my favorite thing to do.”

The Chamber will also use this fair to help artists send their work to the Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines later this summer.

The Red, White and Blue Fair is open for public viewing Tuesday, July 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Nolan Center.