How to Organize a Craft Fair

A craft fair is a chance for people to come together to sell their creations. Artists and local craft makers get a chance to sell their work and customers have the opportunity to find unique items that cannot be purchased in stores. Putting together a craft fair takes organization and attention to detail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Select a location to hold the craft fair. Contact fairgrounds, churches, schools and community centers. Make sure the location is big enough to accommodate all the craft stands and vendors that may participate. The location should also have sufficient parking.
2. Determine fees and space allotted to vendors. Put together a vendor application that will provide information such as what craft makers will be selling. Decide if you are allowing food vendors and representatives from community organizations to set up a space.
3. Decide what type of exhibitors you will be accepting at the craft fair. Some craft fairs are mostly fine arts such as paintings and photography. Other craft fairs include handmade items such as candles, soaps, pottery and other creations.
4. Spread the word to attract craft fair participants. Contact your local newspaper with information for those who would like to sell their creations at the craft fair. Contact stores which sell creations by local crafters such as pottery and artwork. Inform them of the date, time and application information.
5. Send confirmation information to craft exhibitors a week or two before the fair. Be sure they know what time to arrive, where to go and how much space they have. The day of the craft fair have someone directing exhibitors and available to answer questions and help ensure things run smoothly.
6. Advertise the craft fair. Contact local television stations which may list community activities on their website. Print up fliers that can be distributed to stores, libraries and coffee shops. Set-up a website where information and directions are available.
7. List your craft fair with the Art and Craft Show Yellow Pages. It is a magazine people interested in crafts can subscribe to. Go to their website and fill out an online form. A small fee is charged. (See Resources below for website link.)

Tips & Warnings

• Consider having workshops at the craft fair. As an added attraction to customers offer short classes in how to make some of the crafts. Offer children activities such as a bounce house and face painting. Have entertainment if possible such as local dance troops, martial arts demonstrations or local musicians.