Jummel Hidrosollo / Special to the Home News

Peggy Shaner visits a jewelry booth during the fourth annual Vons Crafts Fair benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

By Jeff O'Brien (contact)

Fri, Oct 24, 2008 (midnight)

Fifteen-year-old Nathaniel Albrecht took aim with his miniature bow and arrow at the row of inflated balloons a few feet away. A split-second later, he let fly with a tiny arrow and struck one of the balloons with a resounding pop.

"Mini Archery Balloon Pop," a game that Nathaniel created from scratch, was one of the more popular attractions at the fourth annual Vons Crafts Fair on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19.

"It's $1 per shot and if they pop a balloon they get a prize," Nathaniel said. "We're giving away sunglasses and gliders with propellers on them."

"I'd say the adults play this game more than the kids do," said Veronica Albrecht, Nathaniel's mother and the event coordinator. "They get hooked."

More than 1,000 people throughout the weekend came to the Vons grocery store at 8540 Desert Inn Road, on the corner of Desert Inn Road and Durango Drive, to browse more than 20 booths selling a variety of arts and crafts.

There was everything from jewelry to handmade soaps and scented oils. The seven-member country group Jimmy Mac and The Brazos River Band also provided live music.

Betty Wells of Las Vegas was selling a variety of handmade Christmas-themed items, including ornaments, blankets and crocheted Christmas trees.

"I love to crochet," Wells said. "It keeps me busy. I've been crocheting for 59 years ever since I was pregnant with my son."

The event raised more than $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a nationwide organization dedicated to breast cancer research and awareness.

Albrecht has been working for Vons since 1996, and four years ago she became involved in organizing and planning a craft fair to benefit breast cancer research.

"I enjoy doing this," Albrecht said. "It's fun and it's our fourth year. I try to make it bigger and better every year."

Wells' mother, Margaret Lade, turned 100 on July 1 and is a breast cancer survivor.

"She had her mastectomy in 1954, so she's a 54-year survivor," Wells said. "It feels really good to be involved in this event and support breast cancer research."

Although breast cancer hasn't directly affected Albrecht's family, she said it is a cause that she is passionate about.

"Cancer is one big evil no matter what kind it is," Albrecht said.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.