One Chapter Closes and a New One Begins: Heffner Hands Over Craft Show Leadership to Kimberly Green

One Chapter Closes and a New One Begins:

Heffner Hands Over Craft Show Leadership to Kimberly Green

The Ashland Beacon

Ellen Keaton

Recent snow, ice, and low temperatures have kept us indoors for too long. The spring-like weather this week presents an ideal opportunity to attend the Boyd County Winter Craft and Boutique Show at the Boyd County Convention Center this Saturday, Feb. 21.

The show opens at 10 a.m., but the center will be full of activity long before then as more than 70 vendors arrive to begin setting up for the event. Tara Heffner, the show host, tells us, “We have everything from handmade crafts featuring seasonal wreaths, home décor, jewelry, soaps and candles, crochet items, makeup, and skinny syrup, all the way to your favorite direct-market products such as Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay, and many more—just too many to mention.”

Since 2019, Tara Heffner has hosted events at the convention center, but this show will mark the end of an era for her. It will be her last as host, though certainly not the last craft show at the convention center. Heffner explains, “Back then, I felt led by the Lord to start these shows. There really wasn’t a place for our local artists and vendors to sell their products, and that’s what I wanted to provide. God had given me a talent for organization, and I thought that was my reason for starting the shows. It didn’t take long for me to realize there was a greater purpose. He wanted me to step out of my comfort zone and share the gospel with everyone who attended.”

She shared that sometimes there were hundreds in attendance as she gave her testimony from the stage, and other times just a few; regardless, she wanted everyone to hear about the love of God. “Once they hear the Word, it is up to the individual to respond to Him.” Tara continued, “One of my favorite parts of the shows is when I can walk around to the different vendors and pray over their booths and for any needs they may have. My dad, Greg McCarty, and my aunt, Leisha Mesmer, helped me host the shows. From the beginning, we have always posted scriptures on the walls and played Christian music to draw the hearts of those attending to God. This has been a huge learning experience, and God has taught me so much about depending on Him for everything.”

At the end of this show, Tara will be stepping into another ministry. However, God always has a plan. Kimberly Green, of Kim’s Kreations Boutique, also began hosting craft shows in 2019. Through the years, Kimberly and Tara became friends and soon realized they shared the same vision and purpose for the shows. According to Kimberly, “We both want to make sure that we are reaching our community for Jesus.” Tara interjected, “Who could have imagined that a simple craft show would have given us this type of opportunity?”

At recent events, Kimberly has organized a “prayer tent,” providing attendees with an opportunity to submit written prayer requests or receive personal support through on-site prayer. Additionally, she supports community members in need by hosting raffles during her shows. She will host five additional shows this year, including the July and November shows typically hosted by Tara, and has six shows planned for next year. “We have many of the same vendors at each show who have supported both Tara and me through the years, and they will continue to be a part of the shows.”

The first 40 people in attendance at Saturday’s show will receive a gift. There will also be a table with free Christian products for everyone to take. These are just a few of the specialty vendors who will be at the show.

Tammy Pruitt will be there with her famous sourdough and sweet treats. She will offer several sourdough bread flavors, including Jalapeño Cheddar, Pepperoni Mozzarella, Blueberry Lemon, and Strawberry White Chocolate, as well as cinnamon rolls, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, and, of course, plain sourdough.

One of the most unique items at the show will be LaRisa’s Newborn Nursery Babies. These babies are weighted and scented; they feel and look like real babies.

Creekside Hatchery, owned by Anna and Josh McDavid, features handmade cold-pressed and goat milk soaps. They also offer body scrubs, candles, wax melts, and bath bombs.

Perhaps you are looking for the perfect spring outfit or a comfy sweatshirt to keep you warm—you will have many choices. Kimberly McGinnis, owner of Grace Ann Faith Boutique, will have four spaces filled with women’s boutique clothing, jeans, T-shirts, and dresses in sizes 3–3X. Mom & Me Tees will have approximately 200 different designs on hand to create the perfect T-shirt, sweatshirt, or canvas bag for you. These are just a couple of the booths featuring clothing.

Shopping can work up an appetite, so be sure to stop by B&T’s, a farm-to-table food truck owned by Bryan and Tabby Powell. Their menu Saturday will feature homemade potato soup, meatball subs, smoked pulled pork, and other items.

As Tara concludes this chapter, she shared, “I have confidence in the Lord that what He has begun, He will finish. I’m grateful for Kim’s willingness to follow the Lord’s guidance and continue pursuing the vision we share.” While one door is closing, another is opening for future shows under Kimberly Green’s leadership. “I’m thankful that Tara and I crossed paths and worked together to establish and build on our efforts with a common mission: to share Jesus with others and provide a space for local vendors and artisans to display their talents.”

Make your plans to shop early and check out all the crafters and boutiques this Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boyd County Convention Center. The center is located at 15605 State Route 180, Catlettsburg, KY.