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CHS craft show a large undertaking for faculty, parents and students
By Billy Ludt
CANFIELD
The 29th annual Senior Class Craft Show is today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canfield High School, 100 Cardinal Drive.
From the beginning, the yearly craft show at CHS has been a fundraising effort for the senior class. Money raised goes toward alleviating costs of school dances, the annual junior and senior class banquet, landscaping, athletic supplies and waives graduation gown and cap fees for student volunteers.
“Or really, [for] any other school organization that’s looking for some extra funds,” said Ben Shapiro, senior class president. Senior class officers are tasked with organizing the craft show, which entails rounding up additional student volunteers.
Shapiro said Canfield schools have garnered a culture of volunteering, and students end up having fun while they’re helping out.
Right after school Friday, faculty, parents and students from every grade level volunteered their time to set up for today’s show.
Between the two days, about 180 students will be involved.
“I feel like kids really benefit from doing something like this,” said Christina Maalouf, senior class vice president.
The gymnasium, cafeteria and every hallway at CHS are filled with vendor tables; the auditorium stage is lined with baskets up for raffle in an auction; and a full menu of concessions is available.
“To me, not to sound cliche, it is refreshing,” said senior class adviser Anthony Holben. “Kids in this generation are stereotyped – same as our generation and your generation – with all of the technology they have, that they’re stuck behind screens.
“I’ve received so many thank-you notes from vendors and people who shop – who come out and see the kids help out the way they do.”
Vendors from the Valley, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Stark County and up through Cleveland are setting up shop today. About 200 vendors will be at the craft show.
Attendees can expect festive items, baked goods, woodwork and a number of other handcrafted items for sale.
“Our goal for when vendors show up is they don’t have to do any of the legwork,” Holben said.
When vendors arrive, students take care of the heavy lifting, taking wares to and from their tables, and making sure any other vendor needs are met so they can focus on sales.
“It’s a huge undertaking for the advisers, and they need the help,” said Tara Kalina, guidance counselor and volunteer parent. “It’s nice to see [kids] coming together for one big project.”
Admission and parking for the event are free. Strollers are not permitted at the craft show.