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By JOSELYN KING
Staff Writer
TRIADELPHIA -- What is now called "West Virginia's largest craft show" opens Friday at The Highlands Sports Complex.
More than 240 vendors are expected for the annual "Christmas At The Highlands" this weekend - an increase of more than 100 over last year's numbers, according to organizer Kevin Carroll of A Touch of Amish.
In addition, the upcoming event has been moved off of the basketball court at the sports complex to the indoor football field to provide "double the capacity."
For many years, the craft show took place at WesBanco Arena. In 2022, it relocated to The Highlands Sports Complex. That first "Christmas At The Highlands" attracted just over 6,000 visitors, according to Carroll. This year he is expecting between 8,000 to 10,000 attendees.
"We're West Virginia's largest show now, and we will have people (vendors) from eight different states," he said. "But I don't want people to be worried. We're so spread out, they won't know it's that crowded."
The craft show will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Santa will be present from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The cost to attend the event is $3, which will go toward Wayne Wilhelm Memorial Scholarships for Wheeling Park High School students who wish to attend trade school. Last year's "Christmas At The Highlands" funded three scholarships, and the goal for this year is five scholarships, Carroll said.
The scholarships are in memory of Wayne Wilhelm, the father of Carroll's wife Anne.
"He was a farmer by trade, and he self-taught himself a lot of skills," Anne Carroll explained. "He wanted to be able to offer scholarships for students not able to go on to trade school."
Wilhelm had a college degree in biology.
"If there was a broken part, he could make one to replace it - or could find someone to do it," Kevin Carroll added.
There is plenty of parking around the sports complex, but a shuttle bus provided by Ohio County Schools will be traveling to lots throughout The Highlands to transport those wanting to go to the craft show.
For those who need to rest after walking a spell, there will also be seating placed throughout the venue.
The 240 vendors participating represent less than half of the more than 500 that applied to show at "Christmas At The Highlands." Those selected are "predominantly local" from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to Carroll. Others participating are from Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Illinois and New York.
"We have all these great vendors. It's going to be a great economic boost to the area," he continued. "There are over 500 people coming in to just work it. That will boost the economy right there."
Carrol said the event is going to stay at The Highlands Sport Complex, and it is unlikely its timing will change.
"We're at the mercy of the complex because they have other events," he explained. "It will always be the last weekend of October.
"The sports complex is a great place to work with. They've done a lot to help us get ready for this, and we appreciate their help," Carroll added.