A sight for sore eyes

TORRINGTON – This Saturday, dozens of vendors, shoppers and individuals eager to contribute to a worthy cause will gather at Pioneer Park in Torrington for the third annual Lions Club Arts and Crafts Festival.
The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 15th and West D Street, features local art, crafts and food vendors. Proceeds go to help qualifying Goshen County residents pay for everything eye-related – from glasses to surgery.
Shari Zwiebel, Lions Club member and head of the festival, said she has nearly 25 vendors lined up for Saturday’s event.
“We have a guy who makes the cutest birdhouses you’ve ever seen. Someone who makes metal roses, bouquets, lawn ornaments, signs. We’ll have three people with different types of jewelry – one gal made a bracelet for the eclipse – eclipse t-shirts,” Zwiebel said. “We’ll also have artists, including Bud Watson, he and another artist will have prints and pictures (attendees) can buy. (Vendors will also offer) wood products, cutting boards, wall signs, aprons, tea towels … wine glass etching.

“It makes a great time to go out and buy something for Christmas,” she added. “A lot of these people, if they don’t have what you want now, they can special order what you need.”
In addition to the handmade and unique items for sale, the Lions Club will sell hamburgers, hot dogs and pop. Zwiebel also expects a snowcone machine, and the availability of homemade herbal remedies and all-natural honey – with related products, including honey mustard and more.
As in years past, the popular Scottsbluff, Neb.-area band, Perfect Blend, will perform.
“They perform old music, but neat music,” Zwiebel said. “They cover The Beach Boys, play the Eagles – that timeframe of the music. They’re getting so popular, I almost didn’t get
them booked.
“Just come out, enjoy a hamburger and shop, and listen to some great music.”