By Kimberly Gasuras

The fifth annual Christmas Gathering Open House at the Cabin at Willow Hollow is in full swing this week, but it is actually the 25th open house for owners Richard and Wanda Hancock.

The Hancock’s held their holiday open house in their home on Stetzer Road, east of Bucyrus, for 20 years until they opened the cabin, located near their home, at 5183 Stetzer Road, five years ago.

Richard had been woodworking for many years while he worked at a local bank but when he retired, he and Wanda, a retired schoolteacher, made the decision to construct the cabin.

“We are open from March to December every year,” Richard said. “This year, we will close on Dec. 24 and open back up in March.”

The parking area was nearly full Thursday as people made their way into the cabin to check out items created by the Hancock’s and many other local crafters and artists.

“We have pottery by local artist, Beverly Morgan, baskets by Jack and Dorothy Clutter, jewelry by Carolyn Kelley, candles by Holly Pappas. We sell cookies made by Bill Faulds of Bill’s Bakery in Galion. Beverly McGinnis does the fabric creations that we offer and there are several other crafters we work with from this area and others,” Richard said as Wanda waited on customers with the help of her friend and fellow retired schoolteacher, Mary George.

Along with the wooden items, such as shelves and unique tables, that Richard creates; antique items are also offered including cupboards.

While Richard enjoys creating items for customers, Wanda enjoys decorating the cabin each year.

“I love to decorate and create the displays,” Wanda said.

Both agree that it is their customers that they enjoy the most.

“I love talking with people, meeting new people. It’s a lot of fun,” Richard said.

The Christmas Gathering Open House will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday this weekend. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday with a freewill donation going to military families of the 1-124-FA, Alpha, Btry.

A re-enactment by Mark Cory as Colonel Crawford will be held at the cabin on Saturday, Nov. 11 and will include storytelling for children. Chainsaw artist, Sarah Nicol, will do a demonstration on Friday.

For more information, call 419-562-9117 or visit www.facebook.com/CabinAtWillowHollow.