Craft fairs and farmers markets have been around for hundreds of years, being a fun family (or solo) thing to do on the weekend. If you don’t want to sit at home all summer lazing around on your couch and scrolling on your phone, then these two types of events could be a fun way to get out of your house.
If you have been interested in supporting some local artisans, a craft fair is a great way to do that. From baby blankets to earrings to honey, craft fairs sell it all. While it should be noted that more detailed or intricate things sold at these fairs tend to be a bit more expensive, it’s important to keep in mind that the item being sold was made by the person selling it. Not some big multibillion corporation that’s most likely using child labor and giving their employees pennies. Also no, craft fairs are not just for old people! While you may be one of the few young ones there… that’s ok!
These are some craft fair that are all within an hour drive of Harrison:
Have you been craving some home grown produce but don’t have the space to grow your own fruits and veggies? Well farmers markets are here for you! From juicy red tomatoes to sweet yellow corn (and of course more honey), farmers markets will (sometimes) have it all.
These are some Farmers markets that are all within an hour drive of Harrison.
But if you’re not really interested in spending the day walking around and spending a bunch of money, these are some events that you can go to this summer (all within an hour drive of Harrison)!
The importance of supporting our community
The blog Blood and Daises says craft fairs in the US developed,”…largely during the post-Industrial Revolution era when artisans began to react against the mass production of goods. The craft revival of the 1960s and 70s, which coincided with the rise of the “hippie” movement“, sparked interest in handmade products, giving rise to modern American craft markets.”
This interest is yet to die down, and the reasoning for a craft fair filled future is ever so present today. It feels like every aspect of human creativity is being replaced by AI. But, this doesn’t have to be the way. There are still people who make things by hand, who paint, build, sculpt, bake, and build beautiful things, and as long as this is the case there is still hope.
Also craft fairs are so wonderful because the goods being made and sold don’t travel across oceans to reach you, so the carbon footprint is smaller. That and there’s also far less packaging waste, especially since you’re more likely to encounter items that are made with recycled, repurposed, or low-impact materials.
Double plus, you’re supporting small businesses.
Garage sales are also a good way to get out and help people make some money, while they’re not really the same as craft fairs, they can still make for a fun weekend shopping trip (plus you’d be helping the environment by not buying things for brand new but instead second hand).
Helping support our local farmers is one of those things that is especially important nowadays.
Farmers markets are more than just places to buy food, they serve as community space, an opportunity to educate young people, and an economic engine. These markets keep dollars circulating in our local economies and feed our neighbors.
Jenna Farineau explains for farmland, “Direct-to-consumer sales go beyond just being good for the community. Selling through markets and other local channels makes it more likely that farmers can stay in business, which is the backbone of farm viability. Strong markets keep farmers on their land and neighbors fed.”
And I’d just like to say, the activities I gave today are jut a small portion of whats happening in our area. Facebook (for as much as I don’t like it) is a great way to find out what’s happening in your area, in fact most of what I gave here were events I found from Facebook. Don’t be afraid to have fun this summer and support your community.
