40th annual O’Fallon Panther Band Boosters Art and Craft Fair again big success
Band parents may have been nursing aching feet and exhausted Monday but they could see their hard work pay off in a big way for the 40th year tradition of the annual O’Fallon Panther Band Boosters Art and Craft Fair over the weekend.
“It was worth it for the kids. We were thrilled by the turnout this weekend — surpassing all goals we had set for ourselves,” Coordinator Sarah Dobecki said.
All proceeds directly support the O’Fallon Township High School bands and color guard programs.
Besides the Marching Panthers, the boosters support four concert bands — wind ensemble, which performs at the Illinois Music Education Association All State Conference in January and all chamber ensembles, pep band, musical pit, madrigal brass, flute choir, winter guard, two jazz bands and a jazz combo.
Back this year after the COVID-19 public health crisis forced cancellation last year (pre-vaccine), they were at capacity for vendors — 350 booths manned by 230 talented artists and crafters from across the region.
The craft fair took place for eight hours Saturday and six hours Sunday on the OTHS Smiley campus with Santa Claus visiting and the Madrigal Singers entertaining.
The fair is one of the largest and well-known in the St. Louis metropolitan region. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers make it happen.
“We did not know what to expect given the masking requirements. Our community came through for us, making it a very successful fair,” Dobecki said. “We are so grateful for the continual support of our community, school administration, and the vendors who participate year after year.”
Jennifer John Bickel, who has been a vendor for several years, is impressed by the band boosters’ team.
“It was really great! Super-organized,” she said. “It’s run like a well-oiled machine. We were super-successful and it was so simple. Probably the most organized one I have ever seen.”
Additionally, Dobecki sold O’Fallon-themed ornaments through her Adornamental Shop. She has another artisanal operation — Baked Designs by JJB, which offers custom cookies and other treats.
Moving forward, Dobecki said the team now turns its attention to next year’s event set for Nov. 5-6, 2022.
“The craft fair team is excited to start cracking on the 41st annual O’Fallon Band Boosters Art and Craft Fair,” she said.
Dobecki has been the event coordinator for five years, shadowing the previous coordinator, Barbara Rhodes, for two. Her co-coordinators are Cheryl Tindall and Julie Fortier, who will take over next year and Dobecki will be an advisor.
“It’s basically like running a small business all year long,” Dobecki said.
“We always look forward to the craft fair so that we can connect with the community. It is an opportunity for our band students to outreach to those that are supporting them as well. We are thankful for all the support that we receive from OTHS, parents, family, friends, and the community. All of this makes the O’Fallon Band Program one of the very best in the country,” Dobecki said.
“Many long-term band parents have helped throughout the years. Some parents with multiple kids in band can spend years in service,” she said. “Our treasurer for 13 years, Suzie Signore Hays, ‘retired’ after her fourth child graduated. She was a godsend.”
Dobecki is grateful for the many hands, hearts and minds involved.
“It is very difficult, but it is impossible without a team. Band is a team sport,” she said. “It can be fun, and it can be crazy. A big part of it is the camaraderie with the craft fair team and coordinators. I’ve made life-long friends because of it.”
She credited Rhodes for the event’s successful growth.
“She was just so dedicated. She made so many improvements,” Dobecki said.
More about the craft fair
The band parents are asked to work two shifts during the weekend, and during the past month, about 50 key workers helped with the vendor rooms, food orders, signs indoors and out, and whatever was needed to be done.
This year, the fair was digital — a QR code accessed a directory, menu in the bistro, sponsor list and more. They also made a link available with all of that information.
The vendors are curated so they have a variety of wares available, from fluffy socks and handmade jewelry to wood-carved items and holiday treats.
Dobecki said COVID-19 impacted many vendors, who either retired or can’t risk their health while the pandemic continues. She said there are many new vendors. “Invitation to Play,” which provides sensory play kits for children who have special needs, was a first-time booth.
‘There is something for everyone’
Some of the popular returnees were Hawkins Leather, hometown favorite Nitro Salsa, downtown’s Courage & Grace — which donated items for their Facebook challenge — Willey Pottery, and the Licorice Guy, she said.
“There is something for everyone,” she said.
Dobecki currently has a son — a trumpet player — in the marching band as a sophomore, and had a daughter who played the clarinet all four years and is now a college student.
The boosters promote the band in every way as a non-profit organization.
“We want to give our kids are the amazing experience that Dr. G (Melissa Gustafson Hinds, director) and Mr. Carter (Phillip, assistant) provide,” she said.
The Marching Panthers, busy with fall competitions, are considered one of the best in the state and region. Their next challenge is the Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis from Thursday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 13.
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 5:05 PM.