New business gets its premiere at festival
Staff writer
A Hillsboro family brought a newly formed soda business to Chingawassa as the business’ premier sales event.
Kathleen Peterson started with sodas May 1, then began adding syrups to the drinks, and later stirred small candies into the drinks.
When the family decided it had perfect drinks to offer, it booked a spot at Chingawassa. The business, Thirsty Dog, attracted hoards of festival-goers looking for an innovative drink to enjoy.
The family plans to add food items to its menu, get a travel trailer, and take the business on the festival circuit.
The idea sprung from the family’s desire to make some “fun money” to take grandchildren to Disneyland.
“I’m also a veteran, so I want to do some things for veterans to give back,” she said. “I’m big on that.”
All family members, even grandchildren, pitched in Saturday.
Marion silverware artist Jill Hodson sold bracelets, necklaces, ornaments, wind chimes, earrings, wind catchers made from sterling coffee servers and silverware, and assorted other items made from silver.
Her business, My Whimsey by Jill, also drew many customers to browse and buy.
A schoolteacher for 31 years, she will teach special education this fall at Marion-Florence school.
This year was Hodson’s first time to set up at Chingawassa, although she has sold her creations at Hillsboro’s Arts and Crafts festival for years.