SAN DIEGO — When the San Diego County Fair opens on June 12th, food, rides and lots of wood will be waiting.
In this Zevely Zone, I went to Miramar to profile the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association.
If you like working with your hands, smoking hot deals and making the world a better place, I found the perfect place for you. That's where John Goodrich found a lifelong love affair with the lathe. "Yes, this is an example of what you start with," said John who was about to turn a hunk of wood into a beautiful bowl. "This is actually from a plum tree," said John.
The 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation organized in 1982 to unite people who share a common interest and enthusiasm for working with wood.
They have grown into the largest woodworking guild in the United States. If you are interested in making things from wood, SDFWA is the place for you. They currently have over 1,000 members: men and women, amateurs and professionals, collaborating and sharing their ideas, techniques, expertise, and love of woodworking. Their objectives are to educate, collaborate, promote, and build appreciation for the principles and practices of fine woodworking.
If they look like elves in Santa's workshop you're not far off.
"It's a whole team of people who make this," said shop member Laura Lynn who told us about their annual holiday gift sale that includes their top two sellers: rotating Christmas Trees and trays for treats.
"All I see is the food, I'm not seeing the charcuterie boards at all," I laughed. It's not just what they make but who makes it.
"It is 100 percent volunteer run and that's huge," said Laura. The volunteers also do charity work by donating tens of thousands of toys to children in need.
Scott Sypkens, Director of Education told us even if you don't know a thing about woodworking instructors will teach you. They offer 27 unique classes. The San Diego County Fair is also where you can see their Design in Wood Exhibition.
I'm told the top three attractions at the fair are food, rides and the Design in Wood Exhibition. Shop Founder Gary Anderson says 700-thousand people visit the exhibition annually. "There is something about wood that is almost spiritual," said Gary. SDFWA presents the Design in Wood Exhibition each year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The juried exhibition of fine woodworking has gained national and international recognition.
Shop members are also busy woodworking all year long for their holiday gift sale. In November they hold the annual sale. You'll find beautiful bowls, cutting boards, ornaments, carvings, toys, jewelry and much more, made by master woodworkers at a great price. The holiday gift sale takes place November 22 & 23 at the SDFWA Member Shop located at 5360 Eastgate Mall, Suite E in San Diego. All the proceeds support SDFWA woodworking programs for the San Diego community.
So, mark your calendar for the fair then in November for presents made from pine, maple, cherry and oak. "You need to come over here on the holiday gift sale it is the weekend before Thanksgiving and all of this stuff is there and this stuff is cheap. Some of the best craftsmen in the world are here at the shop making some of the coolest stuff and we sell it to make money for the shop and it dirt cheap," said John.
For more information about woodworking or the Holiday Gift Sale, click here.