From churches to elementary school parent booster organizations, seemingly everyone is in on the fall craft fair craze - with one notable exception, that is.

After 35 years, Meals on Wheels of Natrona County is not holding a fall craft fair because of simple economics.

"When we started 35 years ago, there weren't that many," said MOW executive director Jamie Loveall. "We were losing money. Attendance was down, and it was costing us a ton."

Loveall said shortly after last November's event, the board of directors "decided we would rather spend our money directly benefitting our clients."

Loveall said MOW's primary expense for the craft fair was the rental fee paid to the county for use of the Fairgrounds Industrial Building and overtime to kitchen staff to run the concession.

"All of our booth entry fees went to pay for the building, so that just left admission fees and raffle ticket sales and we had to pay for our staff to work the concession and for all of the food we used there," Loveall said. "Sam Forgey sold almost $10,000 worth of tickets for us, and when he passed away … I don't have another Sam Forgey out there to do that."

Across town at Highland Park Community Church, Pat Potter has organized her 20th annual craft fair, which is Friday and Saturday.

"By now, it's terminal," she laughed. "Apparently, I'm doing this until I'm dead."

This year's extravaganza features all 103 available spaces filled and 24 new crafters selling things from fine art watercolor paintings to books to "two gals from Buffalo who literally embroider while you wait."

Beyond that, Potter said shoppers will find "every kind of lotion and potion imaginable," in addition to three Wyoming books for sale.

"We've never had books before, and we're happy to add that," she said.

Twenty years ago, the church began its craft fair as a way to showcase members' hobby crafts.

"We had 25 that first year in a very small room, and now we are everywhere there is space in the building," she said.

One of the highlights is the cafe, where tired shoppers can enjoy a hot cup of coffee, a snack or a meal while resting their feet and planning their next route.

"We have 90 pies to this point, and the calling tree isn't finished," she said. "There will be barbecued beef and chili and white chili and hot dogs and chili dogs and all kinds of good stuff."

Admission is $1, with booth space renting for $55 without a table and $60 with a table provided.

"I hated when we had to charge 50 cents," she said, "but you get to looking at how many people we run through here, and that's more money that can be donated to the local nonprofits."

Last year, Highland Park donated proceeds from its craft fair to Seton House, Hospice and Central Wyoming Rescue Mission, among other local nonprofits.

Reach community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com

Here is a look at area craft fairs, from information supplied to the Star-Tribune:

*Highland Park Community Church, 411 S. Walsh, 3 to 8:30 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; Cafe open 4 to 7:40 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $1 per person. No strollers, please.

*Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 801 S. Beverly, a Guatemalan Crafts and Clothing Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Preschool craft and bake sale; sloppy joe lunch begins at 11 a.m.

*Casper Rec Center, 1801 E. Fourth St., 5 to 9 p.m., Nov. 14; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 15. No admission fee, strollers welcome.

*Pax Christi, St. Anthony's Tri-Parish School Gym, 218 E. Seventh St., fair trade holiday bazaar, 4 to 7 p.m., Nov. 14; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 15. No admission fee.

*Glenrock Christmas Craft Fair, Commerce Block Building, Fourth and Birch, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 15.

*Oregon Trail Elementary Craft Fair, 6332 Buckboard Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 15. Fundraiser for Ubuntu Drumming Circle trip.