Trade fair continues through Saturday

Jeanna Stewart and Sid Wing look over the jewelry at Dallas Designs while Pam Pruette looks on. The booth is only one of dozens at the Trade fair in Calsonic Arena. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

Okay, everybody's tired of hearing about how bad the economy is -- so keep reading. Although big-ticket items, such as designer outfits and life-sized horse statues, aren't exactly leaping off the floor at the Celebration's trade show, the smaller items, from jalapeņo jelly to jewelry to T-shirts, are moving right along.

"Business has been good," said Pam Pruette in the Dallas Designs jewelry booth. "We're not seeing as many people, but the ones we see are buying."

Dallas Designs is based in Tennessee, but when the business first started, the custom jewelry was designed by the owner's sister who lived in Dallas. Even though she no longer designs for the company, the name remains.

Thomas Frame, left, and Harry Whipple enjoy the surprisingly sweet taste of strawberry-jalapeņo jelly at the WHH Ranch Company booth. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Just a few booths down, there's a little more flavor of Texas at the WHH Ranch Company's booth. Don't let the name fool you -- there are no saddles, spurs or cowboy hats sold here, but what the booth does offer will leave you hungry for more. And thirsty. The booth sells a wide variety of jellies, pickles and salsas made from jalapeņos. Some, such as the strawberry-jalapeņo jelly, are surprisingly sweet, with just a hint of bite. One, Cowboy Candy, needs to be re-named Ambush Candy. It's jalapeņos that have been pickled with the spices used in bread-and-butter pickles and they serve it with cream cheese on a cracker or chip. There's a nice peppery pop at first, then a few minutes later, as you're walking away -- ambush!

Alex Hamzy has been bringing his family product to the Celebration for nine or 10 years now. They are the oldest family owned and operated cannery in Texas.

"I look forward to this all year long," he said.

Hamzy said business has been very good this year, and proceeded to make three more sales in the next few minutes.

The Trade Show has been a traditional part of the Celebration for 23 years now. Dozens of vendors line the mezzanine at the Calsonic Arena and offer everything from Glo-sticks for a couple of bucks, to statuary, for a couple of grand. Jewelry, T-shirts, tack, cat tags, toys, games, hats and T-shirts -- you can find it all there -- especially if you're looking for something with a horse on it. If you're looking for something for your horse, whether it's a new trailer or commercial bedding, you can find it here, too.

Tuesday, with the end of morning classes, the trade show expanded, moving more vendors onto the floor of the arena. It's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and there is no admission fee.