Holiday Shop Hop in Clearmont Well Attended

Kelly Betz displays some of her Weeping Willow apparel

Warm fall weather helped to make the Annual Clearmont Holiday Shop Hop on Friday and Saturday a success. All vendors felt the event went very well this year.

Peggy Roadifer, Windrose Pottery and one of the founders of the event, which is in it’s fifth year, had this to say about the Shop Hop.

Most of the shoppers were from Buffalo, Sheridan and Gillette, but some came from as far away as Billings, Mont. The vendors were pleased with the weather and the turnout.

Kelly Betz, of Weeping Willow designs, which, according to her Facebook page is “…a fun, unique boutique that offers greeting cards, unique jewelry and clothing,” felt she did well at the event. Weeping Willow is named after a 4-generation old territorial brand that has been in Kelly’s family, Hoyt, since her grandmother Frey, was the original owner of the brand.

Other products at the Shop Hop included wood turned bowls and wooden gifts; quilts; clothing items; photographs and photographic gifts; books about Clearmont; Zuni, Hopi and Navajo jewelry; repurposed metal; shabby chic furniture; salsa and Bloody Mary Mix, and many crafts.

Wayne Roadifer, Roady’s Woodcrafts, displayed hand-turned wood products. Roadifer, a retired shop teacher, who taught in Clearmont for some years, said this is the only show he does each year, but his products are on display at the Gallery on Main in Dayton.

Fran Felz, area quilter, sold all the quilts that she displayed at the event. Brenda Kassuba, who owns The Treasure Box in Arvada, had a display of crafts, and original paintings. Her husband, Tim, had a unique display of a carved moose paddle in a light box.

Merrilee Albers and Richard Rhoades own Vintiques of Wyoming as well as Red Pony Salsa, and are vendors each year at the Shop Hop.

Albers had this to say about the event.

Red Pony Salsa was created by local gardener and chef, Richard Rhoades of Clearmont. Today, Red Pony markets salsa and Bloody Mary Mix around Wyoming and in other three states. They are vendors at the Shop Hop and at Longmire Days in Buffalo each year.

The Clearmont Community Church served a taco lunch, which many shoppers said was excellent. All the vendors said they were looking forward to another successful Shop Hop come spring.