Farmington’s Craft Shows: Where Young Entrepreneurs Shine
Farmington is buzzing with excitement as its beloved annual craft shows roll around! These fun-filled events, held at local schools, are more than just a place to shop; they’re a fantastic opportunity for young minds to unleash their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Families and friends flock to these shows to support local talent, and this year has seen some truly impressive young vendors stepping into the spotlight.
A Very Merry Marketplace and Let It Snow Craft Show
The magic kicks off with Lanigan Elementary School’s “A Very Merry Marketplace,” followed closely by East Middle School’s “Let It Snow Craft Show,” where local artisans and budding entrepreneurs set up shop. The East Middle School show took place on November 23, while the Lanigan showcase is just around the corner, scheduled for December 14. This year’s events have attracted a fabulous mix of seasoned vendors and bright young talents.
Debby Kuna, who is not only a first-grade teacher at Lanigan Elementary but also an active volunteer, played a pivotal role in bringing this idea to life. After her son, Dylan Kuna, expressed interest in showcasing his artwork, Debby decided to extend the opportunity to other students. She created a special table rate for kids, making it much easier for them to participate.
The Growth of Young Entrepreneurs
That initial idea blossomed into something amazing! What began with just three student sellers has now expanded vastly, with 13 out of 34 vendors being young entrepreneurs this year! Isn’t that incredible? Debby shared, “I do have more and more kids every year and a lot of them come back, so they’re repeat vendors. It’s just a great experience for them.” And it’s not just about selling; it’s about learning real-world skills that come with running a business.
Youngsters aged 8 to 26 are showcasing all kinds of products, from stunning artwork to eye-catching jewelry, personalized magnets, and even adorable 3D-printed toys. The atmosphere at the craft shows reflects a strong sense of community and support, as families come together to cheer on these young business moguls.
The Joy of Creating
Dylan Kuna, the 14-year-old artist, expressed his excitement saying, “I really like the sense of community and it is also a kind of friendly place to go and sell my art.” With the earnings from his sales, he was able to purchase a laser cutter to expand his artistic endeavors, plus many others use their funds to cover costs for materials, paying back their parents, or even saving for future ambitions!
Take Beckett Schimmele, for example! This 11-year-old got inspired to learn crocheting after watching her aunts do it. Now she’s not only creating beautiful crochet items but has tapped into making slimes and squishies too. She shared, “It’s kind of just relaxing and I can do it really quickly.” With clear goals set for herself, Beckett is ready to impress customers at the upcoming Lanigan show.
Sibling Duo Takes the Stage
And let’s not forget siblings! Lillian and William Evans, ages 12 and 10, have also been regular participants, selling their handmade creations. Lillian is excited about her hair scrunchies and earrings and loves earning money for fun outings, while William, who learned to sew at just four years old, can’t wait to show off his latest sewing projects.
“It’s a great experience for them as far as being involved in the community,” shared their dad, William Evans III. He couldn’t be prouder of his kids for embracing their crafts and learning valuable skills along the way.
A Special Inclusion
This year, the craft shows expanded their platform by including students from the Visions Unlimited program, which supports students with special needs. The joy of selling their crafts boosts their confidence and showcases their talent, proving that everyone can shine!
Don’t Miss the Upcoming Events!
Mark your calendars! The Lanigan craft show is happening on December 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 23800 Tuck Road, and best of all, admission is free! Plus, you can catch some of the Visions Unlimited students’ incredible products at the Farmington Public Library on December 17, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
So, whether you’re in the market for unique gifts or just want to support the community, these craft shows are the perfect opportunity to do both. For any inquiries regarding student participation next year, feel free to reach out to Debby Kuna!
These craft shows are rich with creativity, community spirit, and inspiring young minds ready to take on the world, one craft at a time!
