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COLUMBUS—With 20 years under her belt at the Columbus Farmers Market, Ernie Kan, the proprietor of Courthouse Crafts, has become a familiar face to many in the Town of Columbus. 

Kan’s journey to the Farmer’s Market began a month after she moved from Raleigh, where she received a friend’s recommendation to explore the market. Since then, she has become deeply involved in the community, serving as a Town Council member and contributing to various local organizations such as the Planning and Advisory Board, Discover Columbus and the Polk County History Museum.

“I love Columbus,” Kan said. “It reminds me of my hometown of Raleigh before it got so big. It’s smaller, quieter, and has fresh air and trees. It still has that hometown atmosphere.”

Kan’s involvement in public service also stems from a desire to improve the town. She initially ran for Town Council to address a sidewalk safety concern.

Specializing in handmade crafts and cards, Kan offers a variety of all-cotton items, including pot holders, dish towels, and scissor holders, alongside hand-carved wooden trinkets and items. Additionally, she took up whittling five years ago and incorporated it into her repertoire after attending a class at ICC.

While Kan appears to be a one-woman operation, she receives support from her husband, Ed, and her son, Isaac, in setting up her booth because her preferred method of travel is walking. Together, they ensure that Courthouse Crafts’ offerings are available for visitors at the Columbus Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon.

“Folks should come down here and pay us a visit,” Kan emphasized. “It is a wonderful place to go and support these small local businesses.”

Additional information can be found at polkcountyfarms.org for those interested in becoming vendors at the Columbus Farmers Market.