Members of the Minot community and surrounding areas have gathered each year for The Big One Art and Craft Fair and its display of art, crafts, food items and more.

Sisters Lois Allen and Carol Waldref had been crafting for many years, making gifts for their friends and family out of yarn, fabric and other materials. Eventually, they had made too many creations and were running out of room to store them. At this point the sisters began to talk to other crafters in the area about putting on a craft show to sell and show off their creations.

Following the success of the annual Christmas craft show, the first fall show was put on in Fargo in 1988, and the Minot spring show started in 1991.

In 2005 the sisters retired and were looking to sell to a Minot news station. Although the station wasn’t interested at the time, Stacy Frank, who worked at the station, overheard the conversation and thought it could be a good business opportunity. Frank then brought the idea to his wife and they made plans to buy The Big One.

Elizabeth Hendrickson/MDN CJ Luick, left, owner of WhatNotJunction, hands her vendor application to Lisa Frank, right, co-owner of The Big One.

Lisa Frank recalls the difficulties of taking over such a business.

“At the time, we had a 4 year old, 9 year old and 11 year old and I also worked 50 hours a week doing home daycare. So it definitely took us a few years to get a good system in place,” she said.

A lot of work goes into the shows each year that is not seen.

“The most important thing is just getting the application out with the date secured. And that way for next spring we have applications available at the show for vendors to grab. A lot of vendors, since they’re here, will leave their applications for next year with us.” Lisa Frank said. “We also have the fall show in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo in addition to the Minot spring show.”

Vendors do have some rules to follow.

Elizabeth Hendrickson/MDN Owner of Connie’s Creations stands in front of some of the many items she has crafted over the years. Connie began crafting in 2002 after doing the decoration for her daughter's wedding and receiving many compliments.

“They either have to make, embellish, be the inventor, patent holder or author of what they’re selling,” Lisa Frank said.

This year the Minot spring show welcomed more than 400 vendors ranging from those offering jewelry, photography, paintings, sewing and more.

“We are already preparing for our fall show and can’t wait to see familiar vendors as well as new ones as well. We are excited for another successful and fun show for everyone,” Lisa Frank said.

Elizabeth Hendrickson/MDN Sierra Albright, owner of Amore Pastel Creations, stands next to handmade items she has for sale. Albright, Minot, has been in business for one year.