Show has crafty new feature

Cindy Rudrow was looking for something special.
It looks as if she’s found it.
When fellow Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show director Al Confer told her last year that a new building was going to be constructed in the heart of the antique and craft portion of the annual show, she knew she had a challenge.
Though the new Marion and Irene Bubp Building at the Jay County Fairgrounds provides additional covered exhibit space, it wasn’t clear how the building would best be used during the Tri-State event.
“I wanted to get something educational in there,” said Rudrow, who is a teacher as well as the Tri-State director who deals with craft merchants and antique dealers. “I wanted something special.”
Her first thought was that tractor manufacturers might have traveling educational displays that could be set up, but that idea went nowhere.
So Rudrow turned to some of the exhibitors already showing their wares in the craft barn. But she added a twist.
She was looking for crafters who were willing to perform demonstrations and help show-goers do “make-and-take projects.”
Nine people initially expressed interest. A few backed out, but others stepped forward.
The net result: Craft demonstrations on making home and garden decorative items, a leatherworking demonstration, a demonstration on how to make a Native American flute, pillow-making demonstrations, a hands-on demonstration about goat’s milk soap, a small letterpress printing demonstration and more.
“I demonstrate how to play the flute, and I perform live for people,” said Kentuckian David Cook, whose musical stage name is Soaring Raven.
Some of the demonstrations take place in individual booths, and others are in the center of the exhibit space. All of the demonstrations are free to the public.
Crafters and those watching the demonstrations were enthusiastic about the new attraction on Wednesday. They expect it will only grow in the years ahead.
Rudrow is thrilled, and the crafters working with her are pleased as well.
“She has been awesome,” said Mia Geiger of Hoagland.