By Kate Scriven
If you browse the ThurstonTalk Events Calendar, with any frequency, you’ll notice the dramatic increase in Holiday Bazaars and Craft Fairs listed in the coming weeks. These perennial favorites pop up every year and whether a small gathering held in a fire hall or major event with a hundred vendors, they draw shoppers, browsers, and those looking to get in the holiday spirit in droves.
But why? What is it about attending a craft fair that offers so much more than simply checking items off your list with a trip to the mall? And why the surge in creative offerings filling the booths at the ever-increasing number of these events?
Well, the reasons are many, and intertwined, but all seem to center around one idea: Connection.
The experience of creating something beautiful, useful, or fun is the driving force behind most vendor’s participation. And while some rely upon the income generated during the flurry of holiday sales, many participate simply for the joy of connecting with shoppers who love their product.
Heather Meyers is one such seller. She formed “Two Crafty Teachers” several years ago with another first-grade teacher, Adrienne German. Their endeavor grew out of their mutual love of all things crafty.
“We came up with the idea to start selling at craft bazaars one day, over lunch in one of our classrooms. We were both making gifts for family members and thought that others might like what we were making, too. From there, we came up with our name, Two Crafty Teachers – Teach. Love. Craft. We wanted it to reflect the two of us and it represents us to a tee. We both teach first grade, we both have a lot of love to give – to our students, families, and customers – and we love to craft.”
Like many other vendors, Meyers and German attend bazaars for the connections created. “We love the atmosphere and creativity it brings,” shares Meyers. They tend to choose smaller venues, connecting with school PTAs or community organizations. “We tend to do bazaars that support local families and charities. We like to give back to our community at any chance we get.” And they have given back, participating in raising funds for Friends of Mia and local PTA’s each year.
The pleasure of sharing creative talents isn’t one sided. Attending a bazaar is fun. It’s something to do with friends. It’s social. Beyond the inevitable time to chat with friends as you browse the booths, it also allows shoppers to talk with vendors, learn what inspired their creations and ask questions about the creative process. This conversation connects them to their purchases, creating meaning instead of just buying “stuff.”
And let’s not forget about the food. Most bazaars offer tasty treats, either as concessions or for sale from artisan vendors. What better excuse to buy a chunk of fudge and NOT take it home to share with your kids?
Judy McGimpsey, a lifelong Olympia resident has attended a variety of bazaars over the years, but has never missed her favorite – Olympia High School’s BEARzaar. “It’s just my thing. I’ve been going since it started.”
McGimpsey attends the annual extravaganza of everything crafty every year with co-workers. They hit the booths first thing in the morning and shop until lunch. They use the day as an excuse to head to a local eatery for a tasty meal afterward, reviewing their purchases, sharing their finds.
When asked what keeps her coming back year after year she shares, “I love that it’s not commercialized. The BEARzaar in particular focuses on handmade wares that you won’t find anywhere else. I come with a list, knowing favorite vendors I’m bound to see, some of them even remember me from year to year, but also ready for surprises that will be perfect for those on my list.”
Aside from the original and creative gifts she finds, McGimpsey, like many bazaar-goers, finds joy in catching up with friends and neighbors at events. “I always see people I know and stop, chat, catch up about their kids.”
You see, bazaars aren’t just about shopping. They are about connecting with people. The vendors connect with their customers, sharing pride in their wares. Shoppers connect with friends in a shared outing. Communities connect with each other as they support non-profit organizations and independent, local businesses on a face-to-face level.
So, do people attend bazaars because they are fun? Yes. Do they go to check some gifts off their list? Of course. But, the tradition of the Holiday Bazaar goes far beyond retail shopping. It’s a connection of the community where you can buy locally, give creatively, and create memories.
To find a full listing of upcoming Holiday Bazaars, use the ThurstonTalk Events Calendar. Our calendar allows you to specify a category of events, like holiday bazaars. Use the drop down menu, select Holiday Bazaars and you’ll see a comprehensive list of upcoming bazaars, their locations and times.
Happy Shopping!
