Nautical Mile Craft Fair draws hundreds

Paula Carey began showing her creations at small, indoor craft shows in malls and festivals 25 years ago. Now, the Lido Beach woman works with a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer to produce her crystal and handblown glass creations.

On Sunday, Carey was among the vendors showcasing her ornaments at the Nautical Mile Craft Fair.

“This was a better turnout than we expected,” said Carey, the owner of Bohemia Gifts and Crystals.

Organized by Nassau County Craft Shows, the Nautical Mile Craft Fair brought together more than 25 artists from all over Long Island to display and sell their creations this weekend, despite a threatening weather forecast.

“We love coming to this area,” said Mary Guariglia of Oceanside, who works with Carey. “The Nautical Mile can really use a show like this.”

Held in Catalina Seaside Park, the fair featured both handcrafted and manufactured wares ranging from clothing and jewelry to garden ornaments.

This is the third fair of the season held at the Nautical Mile, and it’s been a growing success since the first show in June. More than 200 people attended to browse and shop.

“It’s a really nice day,” said Marianne Kelly, of Merrick, who was admiring beaded earrings with her daughter. “We had lunch up the street and now we’re down here shopping.”