RETAIL/LEISURE : Shoppers Expected to Shell Out for Seashell Ornaments

It was cinnamon-scented whisk brooms last year. But this year, Christmas tree ornaments crafted from seashells are the odds-on favorite to become the hot sellers at the annual Christmas Crafts Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm.

And with good reason. They are a transplant from the swap meet at the county fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, where John Haney has sold them for years. He has made a career of selling the $2 to $9 ornaments through his California Seashell Co. Haney is among the dozens of artisans displaying their wares at the festival in Knott’s Ghost Town, now through Christmas Eve.

Admission to Ghost Town for those attending the craft fair but not interested in visiting the rest of the park is $2.

Disneyland also has considered charging a reduced entry fee to those who want to limit their visit to Christmas shopping along its quaint Main Street, but has never gone ahead with the idea.