The first Chapel Hill Arts & Crafts Show was organized in the fall of 1980 as a Mission fund raiser by the United Methodist Women of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Sodus, MI. The Show was headed by Sherry Burtchett, a member of Chapel Hill and a craftsperson herself. Sherry had a vision to make this Fall Church Bazaar into a fine quality, juried Arts & Crafts Show. As the Show grew in size, the Women’s group passed the Show over to the entire congregation. It developed into a Mission project that utilizes the time and talents of many Chapel Hill parishioners. The dedication of these volunteers, both young and old, has helped us to accomplish Sherry's goal. Now 29 years later we reap the benefits and rewards.

Lenora and Deb Cuthbert, with Show founder, Sherry Burtchett

The Show provides:

• Monetary support for local and worldwide Missions;
• A marketplace for a large number of exhibitors and shoppers;
• An opportunity for members of Chapel Hill to work together and to grow in faith.

Sherry Burtchett served as Chairperson until 1997. Lenora Cuthbert became Chairperson in 1998. In 2001, this position was divided into two areas; Isla Case became Administration Chair and Lenora continued on as Exhibitor Chair. Sherry Leto, in 2003, and Deb Cuthbert, in 2006, became Exhibitor CoChairperson.

Our location changed through the years as we outgrew exhibitor and parking spaces. Moving to the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds has provided us the opportunity to offer a larger variety of crafts and excellent parking facilities. Besides the crafts, Chapel Hill maintains a Lunch area, featuring Pie by the Slice, and a Bake Sale. The first year we served food in a Sunday School Classroom that seated about 20 people at once, and today we serve thousands the day of the Show. In 2001, additional Food Vendors were added, offering shoppers a wider variety lunch items. The Outdoor area of our Show has grown in size from 10 exhibitors in 1999 to over 50 booths since 2003; featuring Art, Craft and Farmer Market items. Also, since 1999, Exhibitors have donated items for our Hourly Drawing craft give-aways.

Shoppers sign up to win crafts at hourly drawing	Outdoor Exhibitors offer all types of crafts, flowers and Farmer Market Items	Chapel Hill volunteers serve food with smiles.

Our Show’s Facts-At-A-Glance
1980 – 1983	Fellowship Hall, Chapel Hill UMC, Sodus, MI – 50 Exhibitors	Attendance in hundreds
1984 – 1993	Gym & Hallways, Eau Claire H.S., Eau Claire, MI – 90 Exhibitors	Attendance reached 3,000
1994 – Present	Commercial Buildings (4) & Outside Vendor/Farmer’s Market, Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, Berrien Springs, MI – Over 260 Exhibitors since 2003 (Record attendance of 8,000 in 2003)	Attendance over 7800 in 2007

Wendy Marsh Hand-Painted Clothing	Janey Short Cat Collages & Clay Decor	Mary Weaver Hand-Painted Woods.

Recruiting quality Crafters has always been our first priority. Crafters have many choices as to where to exhibit. They prefer established Shows with excellent attendance records. We have now established that history and reputation, and we can be very selective in who we jury into the Show. We have many more crafters apply than we have spaces for and must deny many, most often due to limited room. This ensures that we have "quality" crafts, and that attracts thousands of shoppers, many from miles away. It has also earned us the unofficial title as the "Best" fall craft show in our corner of Michigan.

The Chapel Hill Arts & Crafts Show web site was developed in 2000. Shoppers and crafters can access our web site to secure General Information, Applications, Exhibitor Listings, Location/Map, etc. In 2001, a direct e-mail and/or web site link was added to the Exhibitor Listing page for the crafters that desire this service.

Also featured at Our Show: Vintage Tractor Exhibit
	Craft Show attendees have also enjoyed visiting the vintage tractors, displayed by members of the Michiana Two-Cylinder Club.
Michiana Two-Cylinder Club exhibit