Darnaby Arts & Craft Show

I remember Darnabys from when I was a child. My grandmother (I call her Nani because my dad is from India) is an artist and has been my entire life. I remember as a child following her to craft shows, playing under her tables, talking to customers, and seeing all the amazing crafts from other vendors.

As I was looking for events toward the end of the year, I saw Darnaby's Arts and Craft Show. I applied. The event was in its 40th year and I didn't anticipate a new vendor like me getting accepted, still, the idea of doing a show Nani did, made my heart warm. And then we were accepted.

We walked in Friday, 12/2/22, to set up and it was like my head was on a swivel. I think they said there were 160 vendors in total. And it felt like it. UMAC was packed with booths. People were putting together elaborate displays, dollies were whizzing by. We set up, me fiddling with the table until Aaron pulled me away, then went to our planned event in Oologah that night.

Saturday was bright and early. We arrived, finished setting up, and then I walked around. The variety of goods was staggering. I was happy to see a few faces I knew and made a few new friends along the way. There was a line of people waiting. When the doors opened, it was nothing like any other event we had done that year. At one point Aaron and I were both helping people check out!

It was amazing. I was so glad to be a part of the event. We had people come out to see us because they saw us on Facebook. We met new customers and made new friends. And I discovered Ruth's Chicken, a gluten-free chicken truck! (And it's breaded!)

We hope to be a part of this great event in 2023.