VERO BEACH — The shaded walkways under the trees at Riverside Park offered a welcomed respite from the bright sunshine at a decidedly summerlike 26th annual Autumn in the Park Crafts and Artworks show hosted by the Treasure Coast Pilot Club.
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Just over 100 vendors offered a balanced assortment of items at the two-day event to suit every taste and wallet, including jewelry and artisan soaps, wood carvings, ceramics and basketry, plants and garden accessories, fine arts and glassworks, handmade clothing, crafts and foodstuffs.
Many of the vendors have been coming back for years but there were numerous new ones as well.
“Seeing them come in, they’re like old friends,” said current club president Carolyn Peeler. “They know the Pilot Club members and we know them. It’s kind of a unique experience.”
Peeler explained that the Treasure Coast Pilot Club was founded around 1979 by working women who had trouble attending the luncheon meetings held by the Pilot Club of Indian River County Vero Beach, what they fondly refer to as the ‘mother’ club.
Four years ago the older club disbanded its 50-year history, and was absorbed into the current Treasure Coast Pilot Club, which now has 37 members.
Autumn in the Park is the club’s main fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting a variety of charities – predominantly those related to brain disorders but also others charities that support the homeless and children.
“The money we raise here goes back to the community,” said Peeler.
Of particular note is their support of the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association’s Project Lifesaver, which provides tracking bracelets to individuals with Alzheimer’s, autism and other brain-related disorders.
The Sheriff’s Office utilizes transmitters to locate people wearing the bracelet should they wander away from home.
The highly effective program has a remarkable success rate, with individuals generally found within 20 minutes after they are reported missing.
Participation in the program is free thanks to donations and support from organizations such as the Pilot Club.
Many of the strollers and savvy buyers said they enjoyed being able to get a leg up on some early holiday shopping at this always popular first show of the season.
“I try to come to this every year; there are beautiful things,” said Carol Kanarek, purchasing some exquisite free-trade baskets made in Africa.
And lest the little ones be forgotten, a children’s area sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Association, was fostering the next generation of crafters and artists.
Eight food courts in the center of the park and a shaded area to sit and eat, gave shoppers a chance to regroup and refresh before heading back out to shop some more.
The Indian River County Bloodmobile was also on hand to solicit donors.