Office of Student Activities seeks vendors, students for first annual craft fair

Few people's artistic abilities have progressed much since the days of cutting up construction paper and gluing macaroni to paper plates.

But for those who demonstrate a more advanced knack for woodwork, knitting and every hobby in-between, there is now an opportunity to showcase those talents.

The Office of Student Activities is accepting vendor applications until April 1 for its first annual Spring Craft Fair on April 28. The fair, which will include food, handmade items and more, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gallogly Events Center.

OSA Assistant Director Mitch Karstens pitched the idea for a craft fair after attending a conference at NACA, the National Association for Campus Activities.

"When he asked me to help do it, I was really excited," said Event Coordinator Michelle Wood, adding that she has attended craft fairs throughout her life.

"As far as what we're accepting, we just want to look for a variety of things. We plan to – and the way it's going, it's going good – have something for everyone… especially college students."

While the fair caters to students, it also encourages their involvement. "Our office is to engage our student community," said Wood, "so we would love nothing more than to have student vendors come out and support our school and we'll support their work."

For $75, a vendor can reserve a 10-by-10 foot space. An electrical outlet or additional table costs $10 per amenity. Nonprofit organizations can either receive a $10 discount on their $75 fee, or they can opt for a free extra table or

electricity.

In preparation for the upcoming fair, Wood estimated that she and fellow event coordinator Denise Perez, who is planning the food aspect of the fair, attended between 10 and 15 local craft fairs last fall.

They contacted 40 to 50 fair vendors, and OSA has advertised in craft fair networks to attract more. Candle business Scentsy, handbag maker Thirty- One and Aura Woods are among the vendors that have already reserved spaces.

The Spring Craft Fair will mark a new annual tradition at UCCS. "We are putting up all the measures to make it a great success, and so we plan to then have it every year," said Wood. She receives five to 10 emails a day requesting more information about the fair, she said.

Based on the interest that the fair has generated, she described the possibility of an overflow as "very positive." If Gallogly proves too small to accommodate vendors, the event will spread into the GOCA room.

Even those who don't have anything to sell are encouraged to browse.

"I think it's something that if you're in the area, you should come and try out even if you've never been to a craft fair before," said Wood.

"I know it's going to be right before graduation, so there's going to be great graduation presents there, great Mother's Day presents. I think it's something that will become a huge tradition on this campus and will really bring our community together."

Vendors must first fill out an application, which can either be received by emailing Wood at mwood4@uccs.edu or by visiting OSA's website (uccs.edu/osa).