Local indie fair growing popular among crafters
Fort Lauderdale’s Indie Craft Bazaar stands out among the many South Florida fairs. While some annual shows in Miami and Orlando may out number the Craft Bazaar’s 100 vendors, none open their doors more often.
Several times a year the event delivers an eclectic mix of handcrafted goods. The vibe is party like at the Revolution Live complex in the Himmarshee District with food trucks, drinks, giveaways, and raffles. Merchandise at a recent bazaar ranged from lava stone diffuser bracelets to Pit Bull T-shirts. Buyers looking for any price point will find a match.
Organizer Chris Gaidry credits the makers for the fair’s popularity.
“These are people that care about their art. That’s why it’s been successful,” Gaidry said, who is a Fort Lauderdale native.
The artisans work on a small scale. For most it’s an avocation, but some hope to reach a larger audience. The bazaar helps them build sales while growing a customer base.
“Several vendors have started very successful Etsy shops or sell on Instagram,” Gaidry said.
Cecilia Gamboa launched a boots and accessories company named Nawal. She de- signs and imports leather shoes, boots and bags fashioned with one-of-a-kind Huipil textiles from Guatemala. Besides online sales, the event is her only retail outlet.
Julie Reif has a hip hopthemed greeting card line that sells in a national retail chain. The craft fair puts her face-to-face with her followers.
“It’s nice to be able to connect,” Reif said. “You create cards to boost people. It’s nice to see it happen.”
Gaidry, 32, and partner Amanda Wiener, 29, started the craft fair in 2008. In addition to the downtown show, the couple are behind an evolving roster of events. Margate Under the Moon and the FAT Village Artwalk are recent additions.
In partnership with the Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Heights Community Redevelopment Agency, they also put on the popular Snow Owl Market presented with Food in Motion at Peter Feldman Park.
Organized on the second Friday of each month, the Snow Owl Market is an evening of live music, food trucks, artisan products, community garden produce – and free beer. It’s had a revitalizing effect on the neighborhood.
“It puts a nice light on the area,” Gaidry said. “When people visit for an event with art, culture and food and walk down the street at11p.m., they think ‘this is a place I want to live.’”
For information, visit IndieCraftBazaar.com.