Racine craft fair ends in confrontation, threats to call Contact 6



RACINE (WITI) -- You may think -- what could be controversial about a craft fair? As it turns out, plenty at one that occurred in Racine over the weekend. It ended in a confrontation caught on camera, and threats to call FOX6's Contact 6!

It happened at the Racine Family YMCA.

The craft fair featured vendors selling homemade goods -- and the hope was that buyers would show up, but vendors say they saw not one single person during Saturday's fair.

Cell phone video captured the frustration of vendors directed at the fair's organizer, Roxanne South.

Vendors say they were forced to pay a fee for a table to sell their items and when no one showed, they demanded answers, and refunds.

Vendors say they have not received refunds and do not believe they will. One vendor told FOX6 News: "I'll believe it when I see it."

Dean South is Roxanne South's husband. He says his wife had only good intentions in putting on the craft fair.

"We were told not one customer showed up. I saw at least seven showed up. (She is refunding) pretty much everybody. She's not evil -- she's just trying to do a good thing," Dean South said.

Dean South says he believes cold temperatures kept people away from the event on Saturday. He told FOX6 News refund checks would be sent in the mail.

In a flyer, the craft fair is advertised as a holiday boutique to benefit Toys for Tots. Vendors were encouraged to donate an item.

Dean South says they planned to take the toys in, but were unable to get in touch with the organization, so they were instead donated to the Salvation Army.

"We're not here to scam people. We're just here to help people," Dean South said.

Dean South says 29 vendors in all will be refunded, and says a raffle participant has already received money back.

South says Saturday's show will be the couple's last event.

FOX6 News has received word Roxanne South is making arrangements to pay vendors back.

Toys for Tots has said they will send her a letter demanding she not use their logo inn the future.