East Olympia Elementary Craft Fair

I was lucky to find the East Olympia Elementary Craft Fair, sponsored by the East Olympia 5th Grade and the PTA.  It was this craft fair's first year, and it was a decent attempt for a first-year event.  I had originally planned to attend the South Puget Sound Community College Craft Fair, but it was canceled this year, with the economy cited as the reason.  I like to chat with folks that come by my booth at the fairs, and most people were at fairs this year because of the economy.  The common sentiment was that craft fairs and crafters have generally lower prices for a more personable product.  Hopefully this sentiment finds its way back to SPSCC.

The East Oly bazaar was held in the elementary's gym, 

so it was limited in vendors by the space available. Booths were proportionately small as a result but still adequate for my two tables.  Traffic was ok, and the organizer did a good job of trying to have attractions that would draw locals: She had a clown present for most of the day; she made a bake sale a part of the event; she got the East Olympia Fire Department to bring an engine for the kids to explore; and she placed signs along approaches in the vicinity of the school.  Vendors were invited to provide items for a raffle, with winners announced every 15 minutes.

The challenge East Olympia's PTA is going to have with their bazaar is going to be competition (for vendors) and location (for attendees).  If South Puget Sound CC had held their bazaar, at least two of us would not have been at this event.  With their location off the beaten path, their biggest draw for attendees will be school families and local neighbors.