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In recognition of her services organizing Wilmore’s arts and crafts festival, Freida Lear was recognized by the Wilmore City Commission during their regular meeting Monday night.

“A couple of weeks ago, we’ve had one of the finer arts and crafts festivals that we’ve ever had,” said Wilmore Mayor Harold Rainwater. “We just go about business after 23 years thinking that just happened and always will happen. And then you wonder how it did happen. And then I thought, ‘I don’t remember us ever thanking Freida Lear.”

Lear spearheaded the arts and crafts festival more than 23 years ago to help bring people to Wilmore, support downtown businesses, and highlight the local craftspeople. She went on the serve as the chairperson for the festival for 10 years.

Lear went on to thank other individuals who volunteered their time to help keep the festival active for more than two decades

“On that first committee, Malia Kinder and Boots Woolums who have been active at other crafts shows. They were a great input,” said Lear. “Sheila Lovell is a wordsmith, and she designed the application and the petition letters. And my daughter Melissa Ingram came a little bit later to help out.”

The 23rd annual Wilmore Arts and Crafts Festival took place Saturday, Oct. 2, and featured local artists, craftspeople, and musicians.