A Sought After Shopping Destination {UMS Craft Fair}

Did you know that Union hosts one of the largest craft fairs in the state of Missouri? Yes, right here in our middle school, over 300 booths, representing arts and crafts from many different states, set up a little shop in the gyms, halls, classrooms, and cafeteria. And  thousands of people from a good 2 hour radius descend onto Union to shop until they drop.

Have you stopped by the UMS Craft Fair yet? By shopping at the fair, you are not only supporting small home businesses who have booths, but you are also supporting the middle school, the band, and the town of Union.

It's a vicious cycle:

• UMS teachers, parents, and students organize and host the craft fair
• artists and vendors purchase booth space in the fair (with the money going directly to UMS)
• YOU and other shoppers purchase items at the craft fair (money goes to the small businesses and hobbyists)
• artists and vendors as well as shoppers eat and spend time in Union over the weekend (money going to local businesses)

Yep, this event supports the community, the school, and local businesses, and you get to shop and pick up Christmas gifts and a thing or two for yourself.

Here is the important info:

November 10 to 11, 2012
Saturday 8 am - 4 pm
Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

Union Middle School
503 West End Avenue
Union, MO

Oh, and there are coupons to use at the craft fair! On Friday (update: CLICK HERE to get the coupons!), I will post a link on the Experience Union Facebook page to download an app with the coupons. There will be a printable version as well in case you don't have an iPhone or Android smartphone to use the app.

{P.S. Coupon app is sponsored by Marcink Designs, and all booths that have a coupon will be donating to our local Giving Tree program that gives Christmas gifts to local kids who may not otherwise receive any gifts. So be sure to visit the booths with coupons!}

Marcink Designs booth last year at UMS

What kinds of items can you find at the craft fair? Pretty much anything imaginable. Here are just a few of the items:

• soaps and candles
• beaded jewelry
• spoon rings and bracelets
• aluminum can airplanes
• clutches and purses
• tutus and headbands
• Christmas trees and ornaments
• wooden deer and snowmen
• mice in a tin can
• shabby chic chalkboards
• wine charms
• lamps
• kettle corn
• cupcakes
• rugs
• leather gun holsters
• floral wreaths
• wire jewelry
• wood name plates
• copper art
• knit baby hats
• dog collars
• stained glass
• washer pendants
• crystal potpourri
• pretzels
• glassware
• notecards
• mandolins
• wheelthrown pottery
• potato bags and dishcloths
• old world spices
• corkscrews
• aprons
• leather wallets
• chocolates
• key fobs
• wooden toys
• and lots and lots and LOTS more!

So come say "hi" to Gussie and I at booth 58/59 in the big gym, across from the men's restroom. Mention you are an Experience Union fan, and we'll give you a little treat!

Sweet Madelynne and Little Elephant Company booth last year at UMS.