Challenger center gets in holiday spirit with street fair

Dozens of vendors sold and displayed their wares Saturday at the first Challenger Space Center Holiday Street Faire in Peoria.

Rita Winnie sold holiday ornaments, wreaths and dolls, some made by her 92-year-old mother. The Phoenix resident said the festival was a way to promote herself as well as support the space center, which has five other locations around the country.

"I used to have a friend who was the director of one of the Challenger centers, so this place means so much to me," she said.

The fair included vendors with such specialty items as jewelry, candles, clothing and furniture. In honor of the event, visitors received free admission to the Challenger Space Center to look and the exhibits and demonstrations.

Tony LaConte, director of Stargazing for Everyone, LLC, sold and displayed some of his telescopes.

LaConte offers stargazing sessions at the Challenger Center on a regular basis. He was pleased people had an opportunity to learn more about the facilities and astronomy during the fair.

"There are a lot of things to be a part of here, so you have the chance for free to find out what this place is all about," he said.

Joan Crilley, a Phoenix resident, moved to Arizona last year and decided to sell her holiday ornaments at the event. She said she had never visited the Challenger center and intended to take a tour during the day.

"I'll definitely peek in and find out what it's all about," she said. "The Challenger Space Shuttle was important to us in our history, and it's wonderful that this center is here to honor it and the astronauts' memories."

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.