COCOLALLA — When Jan Reid was approached by vendors about holding a bi-annual craft fair in her family’s barn, she didn’t know what to say at first. 

"Oh my gosh the first one I did, I was scared to death,” Reid said. “It took a lot of planning and research to figure out what I needed to do to put it on.” 

That fear didn’t deter her though, and alongside her husband, she jumped into action to get everything ready for an event of this size. Acquiring permits, signage and the most challenging task of all, cleaning her barn, lay in front of the couple. 

"I had one lady complain because she said ‘Oh it’s so disappointing that they don’t use the barn for what it’s intended for,’ I had to check her and say ‘Oh you’re welcome to come by anytime because all of those two days it’s full of animals and it stinks like animals,’” Reid said with a laugh. 

Now, that fear of starting has long passed Reid as the Valley Vista Crafts Show rolls into its fourth year this weekend. The two-day blowout event features local vendors from across North Idaho, pony rides, food trucks and more all housed in Reid’s barn in Cocolalla, just off U.S. 95. 

Reid said that many of the vendors from previous years are set to return, bringing a variety of items that range from kettle corn and bakery items to wood carvings and other crafts. The event is committed to a family friendly and welcoming atmosphere, offering hay and pony rides, a free bouncy house and sand pit for children.  

This year there will be a band playing Chrisitan music Sunday instead of the event’s typical Sunday service. Attendees will be able to enjoy the serenades from noon until the end of the day. 

The local community uniting around the event is easily Reid’s favorite part of hosting the crafts show. She said that one of her favorite parts of the event is meeting locals that have tales of her barn’s history. 

"I love the people, meeting all the people who come by, the vendors,” Reid said. “A lot of the community comes together and meet people they haven’t met before, it’s real neat.” 

The crafts show kicks off Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and concludes Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    A couple of visitors look over items at the spring version of the Valley Vista