Farmers Market Welcomes Kid Vendors
by Theresa Carpine6/25/2008 4:17:57 PM
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Embracing the nearly-lost art of the corner lemonade stand, the Bellingham Farmers Market gives young entrepreneurs the chance to make and sell their wares to the community on Kids Vending Day at the last Saturday Market of each month.
Bellingham kids show of their talents and creativity on Kids Vending Day.Kids Vending Days have been a staple at the Saturday Market for at least seven years. Although Market Manager Robin Crowder doesn’t take credit for proposing the idea, founding market vendor Mike Finger thinks that she deserves recognition for keeping it going all these years and running it so well. Providing this opportunity for kids, Mike said, “is a great example of how the market is more than a business.”
The Farmers Market provides vending space the kids and collects a $5 reservation fee per vending day, but other than that, all the responsibility goes to the kids. Unlike adult vendors, and even some other Washington State farmers markets with vending opportunities for youth, there is no jury requirement for crafted goods. “Whatever they can make, they can sell,” Robin said.
Danica Harnden tells potential customers about her various fairy products.The kids are in charge of bringing and setting up their tables and chairs, deciding on prices and, of course, making or growing their product. And the creative kids in Bellingham can be found vending just about everything: jewelry, handmade soap, flowers, collars for pets and much more.
Danica Harnden, 9, spent a little over a month creating her “Fairy Dreams Forever” line to sell at the market on Kids Vending Days. “I’m really into fairies,” she said, “and I know a lot of other girls are too, so I decided to sell fairy dolls, wands, crowns, and pixie dust.” On her first vending day in May, she made a few sales first thing in the morning. She plans on using the money she’ll earn at the market for some “extra fun this summer.”
Simone Princer-Eichner sells cards for birthdays and other occasions.Young vendors get the opportunity to express themselves creatively while earning the rewards of a hard day’s work. Many of them are also using their talents to benefit others. Simone Princer-Eichner, 13, has been selling her hand-made cards at the market for over a year. Her booth’s sign advertises that 10% of her profits will go to Heifer International, a global organization devoted to ending hunger and poverty. “I make donations to them regularly, and I like letting people know that I am able to use my art to help other people in the world,” Simone explained.
Kids Vending Days for the rest of this year are June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, and October 25. Danica plans on being at the Market throughout the summer and Simone’s next vending day will be in August. “It’s a lot of fun to see the regular customers come by each month,” Simone said. “I think this is a great opportunity for kids to make some extra money.”
Robin Crowder echoes the young vendor’s sentiment. “Kids get a glimpse to what it might be like to start their own business someday and they can learn real skills, like what it costs to make a product, how to price and package their goods, and how to talk to customers,” she said. She added that it’s nice to see market members patronize the kids’ booths to give them advice and encouragement.
Come to the last Saturday Market each month to see all the products you can buy from local kids.To get more information about Kids Vending Day, visit Bellingham Farmers Market or speak with volunteers or Robin at the Saturday Market. If you know a kid who might be interested in vending at the Farmers Market, you can call (360) 647-2060 to check availability, or sign up at the Information Booth on Saturday. All products must be handmade or grown. Be aware that all prepared food items must be made in a certified kitchen approved by the Whatcom County Health Department.