The Fair Flash
News, views and more from this year's Island County Fair
He’s a hands-on kinda guy
August 17th, 2009 at Mon, 17th, 2009 at 1:33 pm by Roy Jacobson
John Bleakley shows off his wax creations.
John Bleakley is happy to give you a big hand — in wax.
“Business has been very good, considering the rain,” he said. “It’s a small community fair, and I enjoy doing it.”
For $5, Bleakley will create a wax replica of your hand (or your baby’s foot).
First, you select a pose. Then you dip your appendage in a pot of warm wax, then into a pot of ice water, then wax, then water, wax, water, wax, water — about 10 times each.
When the wax has built to perfection, Bleakley pops it off your hand, and it’s ready for the mantel.
Some people do clasped hands; others attach a baseball or little eyeballs.
Bleakley, of Everett, said he has been offering his service at events throughout the area for 20 years.
Does he get any dodgy requests?
“All the time,” he said. “But I made it a practice many years ago not to do it. These are family fairs.”
Roy Jacobson I'm a reporter and photographer for the South Whidbey Record, covering the city of Langley, Freeland and Fire District 3. Have a tip? Give me a call at 221-5300 or e-mail me.
More articles by Roy Jacobson >
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