Tin Cup celebrates 7th anniversary with event

Tin Cup of Shafter recently celebrated seven years in business with an event that included vendors, raffles, live music, coffees and drinks.

Manager Shakira Willis said that she was pleasantly surprised with the response on Thursday. "I wondered what kind of crowd there would be because of the event being in the morning during the week, but it has been really great."

Willis and her staff were busy selling their signature sandwiches and drinks, giving customers raffle tickets. They gave away prizes, products featured in the Tin Cup store, including items made by local small businesses. The shelves were stocked with soaps and accessories by Pompa's Small Shop, products by Jenny the Almond Girl, jewelry and a variety of breads and baked goods from Haley Plaza.

At the event, there was also tasty cotton candy made on site by Spin Bliss, a local company that caters to parties, company events, anniversaries and school functions.

David Bloemhof and his jazz trio entertained the crowd.

Willis said that it has been a great seven years and hopes that there will be plenty more to come. 'We are so grateful to the community of Shafter and the wonderful customers that have supported us through the years," she said.

Willis actually began work at the Lerdo Highway location a year before Tin Cup existed. "I started at the site when it operated as Covenant Coffee. I have been here at Tin Cup from the beginning."

The store started out with some coffee drinks, teas and a few baked goods, and has grown in business as well as product, with an array of sandwiches and other items. "I just love their sandwiches and their teas," said Sharon Sandon, who was there with her sister and daughter. Another customer on Thursday was the owner of one of the businesses whose items are sold there. Michelle Pompa, who stopped by to grab a drink and try one of Haley Plaza's turnovers..

The store is open a bit later on Fridays, letting the customers enjoy live music from Bloemhof and his band.