Whale of a Tale Artisan Sale

Don’t miss this Oklahoman-only artisan event benefitting the Friends of the Catoosa Public Library on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friends of the Catoosa Public Library is an organization with the mission “to strengthen our local library, to encourage our community by providing opportunities for increased knowledge, and to open ­doorways to the world for future generations.” The Friends accomplish this through a variety of free ­community events, ­educational and fitness ­classes, and donations to the library, including books and financial support. “We not only want to increase ­awareness of the library through fundraising, but engage our community as well,” says Becky Jones, ­president. “At our meetings we discuss what our ­community needs are and how we can fill those gaps.”

    The Friends of the Catoosa Public Library will host their next fundraiser on Saturday, October 26, the 3rd annual Whale of a Tale Artisan Sale. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Catoosa Library & Community Center, located at 105 E. Oak St., and will ­feature more than 50 Oklahoma artisans selling a variety of items: jewelry, quilts, hand-turned pens and clocks, Cherokee style baskets, cake decorating services, handcrafted wares and much more. Kathryn Bolen, vice president of the Friends and event coordinator, is excited to return with her Kat's Custom Kreations jewelry for sale.

    Proceeds from artisan booth rental fees will go towards the Friends' efforts to improve the library and offer free services to the ­community; their next goal is to purchase a permanent sign for announcements and events. The Catoosa Masonic Lodge will be sponsoring the artisan sale and again have committed to matching a ­portion of the proceeds. If you’re looking for a fun way to log some volunteer time, contact the Friends – they are in need of volunteers the day of the sale.

    The primary focus of the event is the exhibition of ­quality Oklahoma fine arts and crafts, giving attendees the opportunity to meet, ­interact with, and purchase from the local artisans. Whale of Tale will also feature a “make and take” craft booth for children, door prizes, and a “natural” pageant for ages toddler through 19. The “Our Diamond Miss” pageant begins at 12:30 p.m., so be sure to arrive early for signup, or contact Cara Wallin at eat0@eau0eav0eaw0 or (918) 812-3594 for more information or early ­registration. Live ­entertainment will fill the air throughout the day, including the music stylings of ­saxophonist Duane Nelson, bluegrass group Southern Highway, and other local entertainment.

    Vendor applications will be accepted through October 1 or until all spots are filled. Indoor and outdoor booths are available for $40, and canopies may be rented for outdoor booths (all booth fees benefit the Friends’ ­community efforts). The Whale of Tale Artisan Sale is a juried event; artisans must submit photos of their ­products for selection. Application info is available online at ­www.catoosalibraryfriends.com.  

    The Friends stay busy throughout the year providing a wide variety of free services to the community, including a movie night held the third Thursday of every month, weekly exercise classes, book sales, Breakfast with Santa, and an assortment of ­instructional classes. Past classes have included craft ­lessons in jewelry making and Cherokee basket weaving, ­do-it-yourself home and beauty workshops, couponing ­seminars, genealogy sessions and more. For the future, the group is planning a spring ­gardening fair, car show and chili festival.

    Everyone is encouraged to join the Friends of the Catoosa Public Library. Visit www.catoosalibraryfriends.com for more details and an event calendar. You can also find the Friends on Facebook. They are always accepting donations as well, including books, movies, DVDs, and especially audio books. 

For more information, contact

Friends of the Catoosa Public Library

eat1@eau1eav1eaw1
www.catoosalibraryfriends.com