By Steve Steiner

Managing editor

ssteiner@elkintribune.com

Cool temperatures and an ever-increasing rain may have kept the turnout low Sunday as the Elkin Public Library celebrated its 40th birthday in tandem with an Earth Day celebration.

It had little effect upon the mood of those in attendance, from library personnel to vendors to fairgoers themselves. If anything, because the rain prompted practically everyone to move to the lower parking lot, which sits directly beneath the library building, it may have prompted a greater festive mood.

“I was afraid people weren’t going to come down (to the lower level),” said Vicki Whelan. She and her husband, Dan, manned a table for several groups, among them the Foothills Arts Council. They also had merchandise made by members of the Foothills Quilters that had been constructed from bolts of material donated by a now-retired interior designer from Jonesville.

Whelan held up a brightly decorated small bag. It was, she explained a wine tote. The items on the table, she said, were not exactly for sale, more of a donation.

Across from the Whelans was one particular attraction in which a small crowd had gathered. At its center, seated against a pillar, was a man creating balloon animal “hats,” which many children (and a few adults) sported atop their heads.

Another attraction for young and old alike were three alpacas from the Rainbow Run Farm, Low Gap. As Jonni McGuire, from the farm, held steady an alpaca named Danny Boy, children and adults gently stroked and petted the animal. A number of them exclaimed surprise feeling the softness of the alpaca’s coat.

Off to the side of the pen in which two other alpacas were confined, a woman sat at a spinning wheel, converting the alpaca wool into threads.

At other tables, people vended a number of items, from organic, locally-made food such as breads, to purses.

Off to the side at the bottom of the steps to the lower level, Donna Hoover and Debby Loflin, of Handbagz and Gladragz displayed a number of purses Hoover had made.

“Basically, we take recycled fabric from the furniture industry and make one-of-a-kind purses and other items,” said Loflin. “Otherwise, this material would end up in a landfill.”

Their business is certified “green” by the Institute of Green Businesses, which is based in Michigan.

Loflin, the more loquacious of the two women, explained how their business began, with Hoover making window treatments and drapes. At the time, Loflin semi-jokingly told Hoover that in the next couple of years, they should go into business. Not too long ago, it became a reality, as Loflin was laid off from her sales position with a HVAC company. Now, Hoover constructs the purses and other items while Loflin calls upon businesses such as upscale kitchen shops, boutiques, art galleries and similar retailers. According to Loflin, the two of them have enjoyed a popular reception in California. She cited an instance where at an upscale boutique which ordered a dozen purses, half of them sold in a matter of days.

While most activities were in the parking lot, upstairs in the library, Obakunle Akinlana, a professional story-teller held his audience entranced. In addition to telling stories, he entertained and enlightened his audience by playing on several percussion instruments. As he did, he was accompanied by a dancer who performed native African movements, all in a celebration of Earth Day.

Former Elkin resident Will Gulley, who now lives in Asheville and was home for a visit, was impressed.

“This is great,” he said. It’s a little rainy, but that doesn’t matter.”

Gulley added he hoped to see more of these types of events in future visits to Elkin.