The organizer of a kids market is looking for more children and teens to come and sell their items at an upcoming event.
Andrea Fee knows how difficult it can be for kids to be vendors at markets.
Her 11-year-old daughter Eva has made and sold things like cards, slime and magnets at school craft fairs and, more recently, at a free Christmastime market at the Chilliwack Museum. But with most vendors’ tables starting at $25 or $50 at craft fairs, many markets are out of the question for youth.
“I always found people like to buy things from kids. People like to come and support kids but it’s hard to find venues to sell things at,” Fee said.
“We have to price things low and people do want to buy from kids if the price is right. But larger markets have such a high cost just to join, it doesn’t make sense for kids to sign up there to sell.”
She’s putting together the Chilliwack Kids and Youth Market on Saturday, May 14 at the Princess Armouries where all vendors will be 18 years old and younger. The tables are priced at $10 each, plus siblings/friends can share tables.
So far, 20 vendors have signed up and there’s already a wide variety of handmade items including hair accessories, dog treats, flower pots, jewelry, bath bombs, driftwood art, crocheted items, soaps, baking and more.
It’s not just handmade items that will be for sale. Kids are also welcome to sell their toys and books.
“I’m trying not to put limits on it. I just want kids to come and get that experience of interacting with the public and selling their stuff.”
Fee is hoping for a variety of vendors — younger ones who are just starting out and older teens who are ready for the adult markets.
“I know there’s crafty kids out there that want to sell, want a market, want a venue,” Fee said.
If Fee recoups her costs from the facility rental, she will donate to charity, and she’s also encouraging kids to do the same. Kids and teens who are part of the market are asked to help with setup and cleanup.
The Chilliwack Kids and Youth Market is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Princess Armouries (45707 Princess Ave.). Those who would like to buy a table can email Andrea Fee at andreafeern@yahoo.ca, or message her on Facebook at facebook.com/andrea.fee.12. For more info about the kids market, go to the ‘Chilliwack Kids/Youth Craft Market’ event page on Facebook.
Folks can also ask to join the Chilliwack Kids Market Planning Committee.
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