Craft and vendor shows create economic opportunity, supports charities
Trending
ALPENA -- Craft shows are unique opportunities for local artists to sell their wares, baked goods, and art creations. For some, holiday season craft shows are important economic opportunities and ways to give back to the community.
Art in Park is sponsoring the A North Country Christmas Craft Show at Resurrection Lutheran Church on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jodi Bishop, an event organizer, says that the community is full of talent and her shows not only drive economic opportunities for vendors but they also give visitors an experience.
"We have so much talent in the community," Bishop said. "The way to display that is through craft shows and vendor events. It is becoming so much more popular for people to show their crafts and their amazing talents."
According to Bishop, Art in the Park became a nonprofit this year and will start expanding its philanthropic efforts. The current business model of Art in the Park gives 100% of proceeds to charities. Over the last five years, the organization has donated to the Sunrise Mission, Hope Shores Alliance, Second Chance Animal Shelter, and more.
"All of our proceeds, minus our operating costs, go to charities," Bishop said. "We don’t keep anything for ourselves."
Bishop says as the organization grows into its new nonprofit status, it may start using a small percentage of proceeds to fund operating costs in the future.
Overall, Bishop's show will host 20 vendors and proceeds will go to Feeding Kids Ministry. Within the last five years, Art in the Park has fundraised approximately $13,000 for community charities.
Local vendors say that opportunities like Art in the Park give them chances to connect with the public and introduce community members to their small businesses.
MJ Crafts & Books is a local vendor owned and operated by Amanda Kovach and Brian and Laura Coleman. They will be participating in this weekend's Wishing for Christmas vendor show at The APlex.
According to Kovach, they sell book experiences by carefully selecting and wrapping books to conceal their identities. The books are decorated with clues and embellishments to make the gift special to whomever is receiving it for the holidays or a special occasion.
"Instead of choosing a book based on its cover or title, customers select their next read using clues about the story, its genre, and a few hints about what adventures might be waiting inside," Kovach said. "But the fun doesn’t stop with the mystery! Each Blind Date comes with an assortment of bookish accessories and little surprises to make the reading experience even more enjoyable."
Kovach said that she enjoys attending craft shows to watch customers browse their selections.
"Some know exactly what genre they’re looking for, while others are excited to step outside their comfort zones and try something completely different," she said. "We get to hear about their favorite authors, their latest reads, and sometimes even their personal stories. An experience you can’t get when you shop at a big box store. "
She said that she especially enjoys when customers return to their booth at the next show and tell them how they enjoyed the book.
The MJ Crafts & Books trio travel the Northeast Michigan craft and vendor show circuit, relying on local shows to generate business.
"As small business owners, craft shows and local markets have played such a big role in growing MJ Crafts & Books," Kovach said. "They’ve given us the opportunity to connect with our community, meet incredible fellow small business owners and artists, and introduce our products to people who may not have discovered us otherwise."
Over the summer, MJ Crafts & Books participated in Small Business Sundays at Mich-e-ke-wis, Art in the Park at McRae Park, as well as Harmony Fest in Harrisville.
"One thing I’ve learned is that every craft show is different," Kovach said. "Each one has its own magic, its own perks, and its own unique experience. We walk into every show with a new lineup of books, a little anticipation, and the excitement of seeing how the community will show up."
Kovach added that craft shows give MJ Crafts & Books ways to get to know their community and their customer base in new environments.
MacKenzie McDonald, owner of Northern Lights Bakery, says local craft shows support small businesses like hers because they provide income opportunities that she might not otherwise have operating out of her home kitchen.
"They provide opportunities for businesses to make income," she said. "Purchases cover the cost of packaging or ingredients, and believe it or not, time I spend to make products. I do craft shows to make extra income as I am a stay at home mom. It helps to know I can do something I love and make extra funds to go towards utilities, or even take my kids out to get ice cream."
She said that craft shows give her an opportunity to meet new customers and advertise her business.
"People didn’t know who I was until I went out and showed my business name," she said. "As a baker and a home-based bakery, I don’t make hourly or consistent money like a normal day-to-day job would. Vendor events and craft shows help make that extra income happen."
McDonald said that people should shop at craft and vendor shows because they can find unique, homemade gifts. Purchases also directly help someone's business grow.
"You are also supporting someone’s livelihood, like myself," she said. "Behind the vendors that participate in the events, you see the person who has invested money, time, and creativity to the things they create. I put a lot of thought behind my baked goodies."
She said that she believes vendor events also create demand for rental venues, generate business to restaurants and coffee shops, revenue for printing and sign companies, and more.
"It’s a ripple effect that reaches beyond the vendors themselves," she said.
Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.