Building a Sense of Community

One of the things that I am really hoping for from the Southwest Elementary School PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair is that it helps tighten our already close knit community. SWE has a wonderful group of parents, teachers and staff. It's a warm and inviting place. I want that warmth to spread to the community. To the city of Durham and surrounding areas.
I am excited to show people how a gathering such as this can be a wonderful place to meet people. To learn about what else there is outside the circle we are already comfortable with. It is a place to build friendships.
Those who take part as vendors often find a great network at an event such as this. It's a great place to learn about other events and to build a new clientele.
Those who come to look and shop often find new and unique products to give as gifts or keep for themselves. One of my favorite things about events such as this one is meeting new artists and small business owners. It's great to be able to help out a budding entrepreneur. I also love sharing these terrific folks with the public.
You may just meet the next up and coming artist or find your new favorite food truck. I hope you and your friends come by this family friendly event to check it out for yourselves.
Remember, we are still looking for vendors, food trucks, entertainment and volunteers to help us out for the day.
Here's a flyer you may see around town:

Feel free to pass this on to everyone and anyone!

Our Hopes and Dreams reposted

I am reposting this as I think it is easier than rewriting it. ;) I'm feeling lazy.
Please share with your friends.


We have big hopes and dreams for the Southwest Elementary School PTA's Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair. Some of the things we are planning on are:

Wonderful and Amazing Art from Incredible Artisans

A Food Truck Rodeo

Make and Take Crafts For the Kids

Door Prizes Provided by our Vendors as Well as Community Supporters

 LIVE Entertainment

And, Most Importantly, 

A chance to help out both a local elementary school (That would be Southwest Elementary School in Durham, NC) as well as local small businesses. 

We will definitely keep you posted as we start to see this thing come together.

 

If YOU or ANYONE you know is able to help with any of these categories OR if you would like to volunteer your time PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information and all the proper forms.

Thanks so much. Hope you will be a part of this wonderful fundraiser. Don't forget that SHOPPERS are also an important part of making this work.

Where Will the Money Go?

Some may be asking 'What does Southwest Elementary School plan on doing with the money they earn from this Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair'? (I know the conversations in my own head are always well thought out complete sentences. ;) )
One of the most important issues on our plate right now is technology. I know, what do those whipper snappers need with technology? In this day and age, in order to keep competitive, kids need to know how to use computers and all that they have to offer from a very early age.  This goes beyond making their names scroll diagonally across the screen with simple 'go to' commands. Last year my 2nd grader made a tri-fold flyer all about sound waves.
He did all the research online. He cut and paste what he needed. He created the layout for the flyer. It was quite amazing. I was proud of my kid. I know a lot of adults who wouldn't even know where to begin.
The thing with technology is that it changes all the time. The school needs more resources in order to keep current. Each grade has their own needs. These needs range from more desk top PCs to individual laptops for each student to use. As with most things, these requests require funds. You can help us out by:

 Renting booth space at the event

Telling your friends and family about

SWE PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair

Coming to the event and purchasing from our vendors

Coming to the event and buying raffle tickets

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Thanks for reading!

 

In Response to Your Questions...

I have been receiving emails from people asking to clarify WHO can have booths at our fair. Firstly artists in ANY media are welcome. It's a great opportunity to show our kids just what can be done with a creative mind and a great chance for the artist to share their talents and make some money.
Bakers and chefs are also invited to come and sell their yummy goodness or their services. Please just make sure you have all the proper licensing and such to do this. The responsibility is yours for that.
Next we'd also love to have people who run a business from their home. This can be something that is all you OR it can be something like Avon, Pampered Chef or Silpada. We will, however, limit those vendors to ONE from each company and that is on a first come first serve basis.
This is a family friendly event so we do ask that all displays be family-friendly displays.
This is a great opportunity for you to support your community.
Come one, come all.

If you have any other questions please feel free to email me at: canavalinsky@gmail.com

You Too Can Help

The Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair is looking for people to sell their goods at the big event BUT we are also looking for generous folks to help us out in other ways as well.
One of the things we will be doing at our fair is holding raffle drawings throughout the day. We will be asking those who have a booth to donate an item to be used as a door prize. We will also be turning to community members and asking them for donations of items for the raffle, time or even goods and services that could help out with the event. In return we will gladly advertise your business in the events program. You will also have the undying gratitude of those of us working towards creating this amazing Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair.
Some of the things we could use to help with event are:

*T-shirts for volunteers to set us apart from the rest of the hordes

*Signs announcing the event

*Color Flyers and possibly the event programs

*Donations of water bottles and other beverages for the hard working vendors AND volunteers

As the time gets closer we will also be selling advertising space in the program. If you are willing and able to help in any way please let us know. We would sure appreciate it. Thanks!

Vendors Wanted

Hi! My name is Cheryl Navalinsky and I am excited to announce that Southwest Elementary School will be holding it's first ever Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 9am to 2pm. We are working towards a fun, family event with a little bit of something for everyone.
We are looking for artists in all mediums to come and display their wares for all to see (and buy). If you have a home run business we will have space for you as well. We are committed to making this a fun and exciting day for not only the shoppers but the vendors as well.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this event please contact me at canavalinsky@gmail.com.

For Forms and More Info Click here.