By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Your Party Place located below the Parkview Terrace at 106 Main St. will be hosting “mini-trade” shows through out the start of the holiday season.
“Vendor Blender” is a collection of independent retailers gathering at one site to display an array of product lines ranging from skin care merchandise to homemade crafts and gifts.
“I figured it would be really nice to get everyone in one spot,” said Billie Jo Davis, owner of Your Party Place. “These events will also give the public an opportunity to visit the Party Place, while getting to know some of the independent dealers around the area.”
Davis has already held a “Vendor Blender” earlier this month and she discovered support from the participants. Davis had a solid booking of vendors, but because she had to change the date, those numbers decreased.
With the consultants and individual business owners inquiring about other dates and the approaching holiday season, Davis decided to arrange more events.
“I am able to accommodate those who wanted to show their products,” she said. “There are a lot of crafty people and this gives them a chance to get a booth to sell their products.”
The next “Vendor Blender” will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The other dates of the event will be Nov. 16, Nov. 29, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, with the same running time as the first one.
“Right now, I have 10 confirmed vendors for Saturday,” Davis said. “I am waiting on a few others, but I am sure the booths will fill in.”
The booths are 10-by-10 feet and can be rented for $25. If a vendor books for more than one event, the price will be $20 per show. The booths allow those who work/craft at home a chance to feature their items. Davis said vendors said they would continue to book more dates if there was interest from the public.
“There’s lots of variety,” said Davis. “There is handmade jewelry, baked goods, crafts to consultants from Avon to Scentsy. It is a blend of all different businesses.”
Davis encourages the public to stop by and check out the event.
“It is a great way for the vendors to advertise, too,” she said. “They will have their business cards or people can get more information directly from them.”
The unique aspect of such bazaars like the “Vendor Blender” is it isn’t just held once a year like many holiday craft fairs.
“I would like to continue this throughout the year,” said Davis. “If there is a demand, I will keep going.”
In amongst other parties and events, Davis wants to open Your Party Place to a children’s craft time, which would be based on a seasonal theme.
“I want to charge a small fee and children can come and create a craft, like a wreath at Christmas or an ornament to other holiday items and gift wrap them to take home,” she said.
Your Party Place has been busy since its January 2013 opening.
“I’ve had a lot of parties,” said Davis. “From birthdays and baby showers to meetings. I can always fit in more. It is a good location, with lots of parking and it is convenient.”
For more information on either registering for the “Vendor Blender,” children’s craft time or to book a party or meeting, call Davis at 694-4582.
