The Tenth Annual Island Crafters Show & Sale at Andy’s Old Port Pub took place late this afternoon. Crafters were busy setting up their display tables in the pool room when this blogger had an opportunity to visit with them.

Originally, the purpose of the “last minute” holiday sale was for men who were last minute shoppers – many of them waiting to catch a Casco Bay Ferry to the islands and home. Andy’s is a popular pub for fishermen and municipal employees on the many islands of Casco Bay among others. (The deceased writer Bill Caldwell once called them the Calendar Islands because there are so many islands off the coast of Portland.) However, since its inception, the sale has evolved to a broader client base.

One of the repeat vendors is Ginny Lynd Munroe. Her creations are made from driftwood she finds on Great Diamond Island where she lives with her family. Ginny attended Goddard College, Vermont, where she was an art major. Asked if it is getting harder to find driftwood, the attractive Ginny said it all depends on the weather and the ocean conditions. After a storm, there can be a lot of driftwood coming onshore. Sometimes there is no driftwood on the shore to be found. (Ginny is in the above photo on the far right).

Different islands have their own craft shows throughout the year said Beth Webber, of Great Diamond, the organizer of the annual event at Andy’s Pub. It brings crafters together and has created a community among the artists throughout Casco Bay she said. “We have become good friends and stay in touch with each other and support each other because of our interest in crafts.”

“Because of the beauty of the islands, we don’t take beauty for granted,” said Robin Johnston. She lives on Little Diamond in the summer time, but not in the winter because there is no water there for most of the cottages in the winter.

“Changing Tide Foundation” is this year’s beneficiary for the Last Minute sale at “Andy’s Pub.” It’s purpose is to preserve the lifestyle of the community of all of the Islands,” said Rick Frantz, owner of “Andy’s.” “If someone needs assistance, this non-profit will try to help. Long Island has had a lot of cases of cancer over the past few years,” he said. “We provide transportation to the mainland for those who need. We don’t know why this is the situation. But we are helping an individual right now with his transportation needs to the mainland for treatment.”

That’s the holiday spirit!