Snowmen with scarves and bright orange Jack O' Lanterns stood at smiling attention on the floor below tables of fragrant candles Saturday, while the aroma of homemade banana bread enticed passersby to stop and think about their stomachs.

Never mind the dreary rain outside, the Conley Center on the Ironton High School campus was alive with color and charm as more than 30 area crafters displayed their wares in the 19th annual Ironton Cooperative Club Craft Show.

&#8220Crafters come from as far away as Grayson, Ky., and Huntington, W.Va., as well as our local crafters,” craft show chairperson Shawn Spencer said.

Some of the crafters were professionals. Beverly Norris, of Decatur, owns B&J Crafts on State Route 93.

She said she usually takes part in the co-op club event every year.

&#8220I just really enjoy doing crafts,” she said. &#8220And I like doing shows. I like talking to people.”

For others such as Casey Johnson of Coal Grove, crafting is just a fun hobby.&#8220It gives me something to do,” she said.

Annie Conwell Anderson of Ironton browsed the tables of wares and said she was glad she came to the show.

&#8220I like it,” she said. &#8220I can't make anything but I like to see what other people make.” She said she saw a night light she might buy on her way out.

Brittany Spillman, 11, of Argillite, Ky., shrieked as she walked away with a gift basket of goodies she won in a co-op club drawing.

&#8220I didn't think I'd win,” she said with a smile. &#8220I tried six times.”

In addition to the crafts on display, the work of approximately 120 Ironton High School art students was also on display in the accompanying second annual juried art show.

&#8220Art programs in the city schools are suffering from cutbacks like everything else,” Spencer said. &#8220It seemed like the students who enjoy art were often overlooked and this is a way for them to gain recognition for their talent.”

Art teacher Brennan Lutz agreed.

&#8220We don't get too many opportunities like this, Many art shows are closed to students. This is an opportunity they don't normally get.”

For those who got hungry, the co-op club caf\u00E9 offered a light lunch at the concession stand area.

Last year 650 people attended the one-day event. Spencer said she hoped this year's attendance would equal or exceed that. The craft show is one of four fund-raisers the co-op club conducts throughout the year.

&#8220Two-third of all the money raised by the co-op club goes to our education projects,” Spencer said. &#8220One third of all the money raised throughout the year goes to various civic projects, things that come up and need support.”

The final fundraiser of the year is the annual Tour of Homes Nov. 13.