2021 Brings a Strong Return

I’ve never sold children’s books or pencil portraits at a hometown bazaar before, so yesterday was a first for me! Gone for a few years because of widespread covid concerns, the St Matthew Hometown Bazaar made a strong comeback yesterday on Saturday, November 13th!

I was one of more than 30 vendors presenting and selling my wares from 9 am until 3 pm. The day began with wind and some snowing blowing, but the atmosphere inside was warm and cozy with the event and vendors spread throughout St Matthew’s school, including the hallways and gymnasiums. Because this was the event’s first year back in operation, tables weren’t as close together and this enabled shoppers the ability to move about much easier than in past years.

I saw beautiful, handmade items for shoppers to choose from … everything from beaded animals (we bought a peacock!) and goods, bird-feeders made from gourds, beautiful silk scarves, all kinds of jewelry, candles, food items … the list goes on and on! The shoppers poured in, especially from 9 am when the doors opened, until 12 noon. The afternoon brought more shoppers but the crowd was thinned out more than before. Still, they mingled, they asked questions, and most important ... they bought homemade items for holiday gifts!

I Love Talking to People

I met and talked with so many people that it was hard to keep track of just how many visited my booth! It was really wonderful to see old friends like Shannon Walker, and Theresa Bruney, a dear friend from New Albany High School, who stopped by and bought sets of all three books I had to offer! What made the day extra special for me was a visit from our beautiful goddaughters, Kristin Cooper and Meghan Springer, along with their mother Loan!

A Great Day!

When the event drew to a close at 3 pm, I had sold 19 books total and had talked to many people interested in family portraiture in the near future! This was my first year as a vendor, but it won’t be my last! The St Matthew Hometown Bazaar is BACK! Bravo!