Note:  This article appeared in the Farmer City Journal.  It was written by Pat Lamb

Every year the first weekend of October finds Jim Waite’s Blossom Shop transformed from its usual flower shop appearance. Besides his talent for flower arranging, and the green baskets he creates, Waite is the Midwest’s Sebastian collectibles headquarters. This summer, Waite was named official Sebastian appraiser, and is a member of the company’s advisory board. Woody Baston, creating artist of Sebastian miniature figurines, calls Waite "not only The Best In The Midwest…he is the Best In The Nation!"

Sebastian figurines are the little original works of artist Woody Baston of Wayland, Massachusetts. There are just over 800 of them counting all the way back to the beginning when Woody’s father, Prescott W. Baston, began the enterprise. Before he died in 1984, he had made 522 different pieces. Since 1982, when Woody made "The First Kite", he has personally created 282 of the miniature figures. Everyone was excited to enjoy the Bastons’ charisma again this year, and to hear Woody tell about the business and works in progress.

Each year, the Midwest Sebastian Fair has a different theme than the one before -- this year it was "old movies," complete with ‘director’ Jim Waite in his Hollywood director’s cap! Waite welcomed fair attendees (from fourteen different states and Canada) into the theater across a glittering red carpet. Inside the theater, cardboard stand-ups of John Wayne, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Dorothy and the Lion, along with a few others and a movie poster here and there created a feel for an era now only viewed in colorized re-runs. Dining tables were decorated with movie theater barrels of popcorn and boxes of ‘refreshment stand candies’. Floral centerpieces added a touch of elegance to the affair, catered by Hammer Catering of Farmer City.

During the after dinner program, Waite presented special certificates to three collectors who have attended all 17 Midwest Sebastian Fairs. In his easy-going master of ceremonies manner, Waite humorously told the three they would "have to come again next year to get the frames." Certificates were awarded to Renee Levy of Skokie, Illinois, John Scannell and Lillian Wenborne, both of Syracuse, New York.

As he began to speak to the audience, artist Woody Baston told them, "It is fun to come and meet with you." He said he enjoys the informal weekend, in which everyone has the chance to get to know one another. Baston said the first time he came, it was out of duty - now he plans the Midwest Fair into his busy schedule, because "we find it relaxing and delightful."

From his "little black bag", Woody pulled out the new pieces he has created this year and told a little about each one. He created an old movie camera medallion, a Pewter snowman will be added to his ‘snowman’ group, and a pewter version of John Alden is new. In his big hand Woody held a piece now in the works - being cast, produced and painted. In the way he occasionally stroked the 1 ½ inch figurine with his right index finger as it sat on the flattened palm of his left hand, it was easy to see that the little yellow milk truck is one of his favorites.

Baston told the crowd that although he and his lovely wife, Margery, still listen to taped books while they paint, he has found help, so they can take larger orders. While just he and Margery were painting, orders were kept at a maximum of 200, "because two hundred was about all we wanted to see of any one piece!" he laughed. One day he learned that a group of women who once painted Sebastians at the Lance factory, were meeting monthly at the local mall to reminisce and visit. From that group, Baston recruited a nucleus of painters, and so have raised the allowable order size.

Margery Baston spoke only briefly to the audience, saying, "It has been fun working together." She discovered one year at the Midwest Fair here that she enjoys painting, but is quick to add that Woody does the fine and finishing brushwork. I am not the artist - he is!"

Blue Ridge band has commissioned an ornament, which they hope will add money to their planned-for trip to Europe in a couple years. The ornaments are ready and available from Blue Ridge Band members for $22. (or contact Juanita Gum at 309-928-2900) The white oval ornaments have a centered band player in school colors, and are not exclusively for Christmas, although they can be hung on your tree for the holiday. Several years ago, the Band commissioned and sold "The Farmer" and "The Farmer’s Wife" as a money-earning project.

Saturday morning’s "paint a Sebastian" contest was underway, five people at a time, by shortly after eight. This year they painted "the photographer", a figurine of a Victorian lady photographer with an old time camera on a tripod. Edward Peitsch of Michigan took first place. The cost to participate was $25. Waite will donate all proceeds from that contest to Children’s Hospital of Peoria.

The Sebastian shop was open, and a restoration center was available. After a soup and sandwich lunch prepared by the Waite family, a ‘look-alike’ contest was held for entrants dressed up like one of the figurines. Nine-year-old Sarah Stanley of New York was winner in a contest that was so close, it almost tied in the children’s section. Sarah portrayed "The Photographer." Chuck Darger of Indiana, won in the adult section as "Praying Hands."

Last but not least was the auction, cried by Larry Isaacs of Logansport, Indiana, who has auctioned at eight Midwest Sebastian Fairs. Sebastians, both rare and old, bring written bids as well as from those attending. It is unabashedly Renee Levy’s favorite part of the Fair! The highest price this year was $5800 brought by "Speedy Alkaseltzer."

The Midwest Sebastian Fair always closes with as many of the group as would like, eating out at a place agreed upon for a "buy your own" farewell dinner. Thirty-seven people, a caravan of 14 vehicles, attended dinner this year at The Bloomington Maverick.

Plan to come to the next Midwest Sebastian Fair - you’ll have a great time!