The Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year when its annual show is held on Saturday, November 30 at the Natchitoches Events Center. The show had meager beginnings, starting with only 15 vendors and has grown to 115 vendors and is now the largest craft show offering handmade items in north and central Louisiana.
Cheryl Gianforte, chairman and also a vendor, had an idea back in 2005 along with a small group of friends and family. She felt there was a need for a craft show in the northcentral part of the state that featured handcrafted items. The Events Center was still under construction at its present site, so the decision was made to host the first event in the old Art Center, which is now City Council Chambers. A fishing tournament was to be held on Memorial Day weekend and the craft show would be a good accompaniment on the same day and possibly give the wives an activity in which to participate. The building could only hold 15 vendors so recruitment began by extending personal invitations to vendors that the FDL organizers personally knew. The show was a big success!
There were no start up monies or sponsors and the first few shows were done on a shoestring. There has also never been an admission fee. The show is supported solely by the modest vendor booth fees. With these fees, the show has been able to be promoted through television, radio, and print media.