A past Holiday Vendor Fair at The Southwick Grange. This year’s event is Dec. 8. (File Photo)
SOUTHWICK-Small businesses are not only found among storefronts – they flourish with many area residents working from home – full or part-time.
Southwick Grange #46 will be the setting on Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for a host of small business vendors including Athena’s Heavenly Goddess, Thirty-One, Avon, Colorstreet, Scentsy, Cher-ished Glass and Glamour, Sue’s Creations, Sissie’s Accessories, Paparazzi, and other crafters.
There is still room for a few more vendors at the annual Holiday Shopping Vendor Fair, according to Bev LaBombard, who is coordinating logistics for the event with Stephanie Sicard. LaBombard has also served as Grange secretary since 2009.
“We welcome area residents to stop in and support these businesses to ensure their continued success,” said LaBombard, adding, “without support from area residents, local businesses wither away.”
A raffle is also planned during the fair featuring items donated by each vendor.
“Our kitchen will also be open,” said LaBombard.
LaBombard noted that events throughout the year including the vendor fair bring in “much needed” cash flow to pay for utilities, building repairs, and replacement equipment.
“All proceeds from the annual December event go toward maintenance of the Grange,” said LaBombard. “Our other vendor events bring in rent from vendors plus money and donations for local organizations.”
LaBombard noted that one of the most pressing needs of the Grange is to recruit members.
“While we have approximately 16 members, there is a core of eight that are active in the activities,” said LaBombard.
Other needs of the Grange includes soliciting local contractors to provide pricing on some “badly needed” building repairs so board members can submit a grant application.
“The building is in need of roofing and siding work, our concrete floor needs refinishing, and our driveway needs to have holes filled in if not repaved,” said LaBombard.
The grant application requires quotes for all of the work in order to be considered, she added.
In addition to this week’s event, LaBombard said from October to March, a monthly vendor bingo helps raise funds, as well as a weekly regular bingo game.
“Vendor bingo is open to all ages as there is no monetary prize,” said LaBombard, adding, “all prizes are donated by the various vendors.”
The weekly bingo is for persons age 18 and older since monetary prizes are governed by the Massachusetts Lottery Commission.
For persons interested in being a vendor on Dec. 8, send an email to LaBombard as soon as possible to [email protected].
