Diane Moore, owner of the Columbiana Inn with husband Andrew, held the South Shelby County Chamber Board Meeting at the inn last year. The need for a new fundraiser for the Chamber and a way to showcase local talent was discussed.

Thus was the beginning of the first SSCC Creative Arts, Antiques and Business Show to be held Saturday, Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Shelby County Exhibition Center with Moore as its first chair.

“I volunteered with this project because there is so much talent all around us,” said Moore. “I wanted to help businesses bring their products to market, which seemed to fit perfectly with the Chamber’s philosophy. What better way for the Chamber to raise money than to offer an opportunity to merge crafts people and small business people with unique offerings with potential buyers.”

This project to promote economic development in our community was instantly supported by Alabama Power, AT&T and Dynamic Creative Services, sponsors for the show.

“Their help has made it possible to have the show in the first place,” said Moore.

Assisting Moore is her dedicated committee and their businesses: Terry Ritchie and Laura Chambless (Flower Cabin); Stephanie Roulier (Second Elegance); Sharon Pugh (Alota Scents); Jo Mudd (Mudd Bugs Catering); Chris Deloach (Dynamic Creative Services); Fay Wilson and Felix Dunn (Spring Creek Antiques); Kay Ray (Town of Wilsonville); Georgiann Farrington (It’s a Perfect Party); and Stacy Walkup (executive director, SSCC).

The show is family friendly and free. The harvest theme will showcase entrepreneurs of all sizes displaying a broad range of talents.

A sample of vendors are: Neville Peacock and Debbie Garvin (handmade silver, semi precious stone, and pearl jewelry); Susan Mote and Nikki Bowers (personalized children’s clothing); Edward and Linda Crotwell (silver and 14kt jewelry); Teresa Wamble (gourd art); Linda Lamont (Fashion Made Easy); Rhonda Glass (Pitty Pat’s Catering); Phyllis Resho (Lookout Point Candle); Teresa Gross (colored pencil and watercolor art); Mary Ann Brechun Design (oil paintings, decorated lamps, pillows); Fred Smith (gourmet condiments); Veronica Bailey (floral arrangements); and Shanna Handley and Marsha Farris (personalized ornaments).

Local businesses exhibiting are Alota Scents, Columbiana Inn, 1890 Wedding Chapel, Ekklesia Coffee House, Johnny Ray’s and more.

The SSCC is people working together to make our community the best place to live, work and raise our families. Come support the Chamber on Oct. 9.

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by e–mail at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.