LUCERNE — Rather than the typical scene of the Lucerne Harbor Park filled with trucks hauling fishing boats, on Saturday it was jammed with cars, SUVs and people galore where Lakeside Art and Gifts held it’s eight annual Spring Fling.
Vendors, 22 in all, popped their tents full of arts and crafts in the grass courtyard of what is locally known as the Artist’s Cottages, and wrapped around the park under the shade of the tall Redwoods. Within two minutes of the Fling opening, a crowd had already gathered to see what was on offer.
The Grateful Grail coffee truck set up near the entrance so people could get their morning jolt of caffeine. Their outrageously smooth Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, which they brew for 20 hours and add “a hit of nitrogen gas to give it a creamy fuller body,” said owner Marshall Rodgers, was a big winner.
Nancy Kaufman from Woodland said as she browsed through the Sticks and Stones Design tent, “We’re returning from Mendocino and it’s our first time stopping here. We saw all the tents. It’s very nice and they ordered such great weather.”
Sue Dillard, from Lakeport, bought items in the Lakeside Art and Gifts cooperative shop, where 17 local artists are represented. “We’re just to happy that the weather is so perfect for this event. Look at all the people who showed up!”
Everyone spoke of the weather. After all the wind and rain in the last few weeks, the four managing artists who spearheaded the event; Susan Laymon, Gytha March, Linda Kelly and Toni Stewart, had been holding their collective breaths for the weather to shine on them.
Laymon said, “I think that people needed to get out and the great weather brought them out. The customers have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the quality of the art and crafts offered. This is much bigger than we’ve ever had and vendors have told me they’ve never seen this many people attending the Spring Fling before. It’s good for Lucerne. There are a lot of people working for the betterment of Lucerne. Recent businesses are so community oriented and are making Lucerne a upcoming and happening place.”
DArtFrog Photography & Gallery, one of the other artist cottages in the park, also had a good day. Bob Phillips, the nature photographer, was pleased that so many people enjoyed his work and bought pieces as well. “It’s always great to be appreciated for one’s art.”
Actress and mother, Lisa Baker, who played Berthe in the recent production of “Boeing Boeing,” lives in Lucerne. “I’m thrilled to be part of such a vibrant art community,” she said, juggling two youngsters on her hips.
“I bought the perfect jean jacket from artist Gytha March,” said Heide Credle, from Kelseyville Riviera. “I just arrived and saw it and bought it. My husband, Robert, and I read the article about the Spring Fling in the Record-Bee and decided to come on our motorcycle. The perfect day.”
Pam Blohm, acrylic and watercolor artist from Pan Blohm Designs in Middletown, had a corner booth next to the Master Gardeners. Appropriate since many of her works were of flowers. Her cubical art, as she calls her small pieces, were reasonably priced and very eye-catching. “This is my very first show,” Blohm said. “I started this venture in June. It’s great that the Fling is right on the highway and of course the weather is perfect.”
The Master Gardeners were helpful to Emil Roessingh, Lucerne resident, regarding his questions on drought resistant plants. “The Fling is great and it’s good to see so many craftsman and good info available.”
Most tents were clustered by the cottages yet some were off in the distance, however there were no complaints as people who had parked along the highway, had to walk past the ‘outback’ booths to see the whole event. People even got to see the resident Mallard ducks waddling around. Teri Appleberry of BT Wood & Jewels, Lakeport said, “It’s slow because we’re at the end of the park, but I love it and it’s been a beautiful day and we have made sales.”
The sparkling electric blue-haired Dani Primas of Wonderland Sweet Shop and her husband Anthony, a new business in Lucerne, cooked sausages, hot dogs, funnel cake, cotton candy and other sweets, luring people with smells to fill their hungry stomachs. Primas said, “This Fling is amazing and so cute. I didn’t realize it was going to be so big!”
Brenda Reyes from Sticks and Stones Designs, who made all the signs and posters for the Fling, said, “It’s a wonderful show. Lots of locals and lots from out of town, Oregon even. People supporting local artists is always a good thing. This is the premier arts and crafts event for this side of the lake.”
Middletown High School senior exchange student, Silja Lehtinen from Finland, bought a bunch of raffle tickets. “The fair is really nice and small and easier to see all of the booths and the weather is great. This is not what I was expecting from my visit to Lake County from my country. Everything is very nice.”
The raffle drawing was a big hit. People bought tickets and placed their tickets into the basket at each vendors’ booth for the raffle item. Dan Straight Pottery offered a large bowl that was a beauty, soaps from Elizabeth Kelly, jewelry from David and Sandy Stillwell, Jayne Rocci’s abalone mosaics. There were 22 winners and by the sounds of the cheers going around the park, everyone was thrilled.
Chairperson on the Board of Directors at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, Lynn Schlopkohl, stopped by and commented, “This is what we need in Lucerne. Come to Lucerne to see how we’ve changed.”
