The Thomas Haney Craft Fair is a success in every way.
Firstly, it is expected to draw more than 6,000 people to the Maple Ridge secondary school.
Secondly, student organizers expect it to raise more than the $25,000 it took in last year.
Also, it’s the biggest student-run craft fair in the province, happening this weekend, Nov.22 and 23.
And tellingly, the vendors love it.
“It’s brilliant – very well organized, and lots of people coming through,” said Cecille Chassay of Natural Wood Creations.”
“It’s the best one we go to,” echoed Colleen Kelly of Blends of Goodness, selling barbecue sauces and products.
She said the promotion through their website and in social media, the communication with vendors, and the attention to detail reflect impressive work by the student organizers.
Reece Reichelt, who graduated last year and is now attending the University of Victoria, is the executive director, and said there is a large team of teens who have run the show since they revived it in 2023.
It had been run by staff for more than 25 years, stopping in 2017, and then was lost for a few years. It’s back in a big way.
“It has turned into a huge show, and it’s student led,” Reichelt said. “Instantly we had tons of feedback that people were happy to have the show back.”
The first year they netted about $10,000, and the second year about $25,000.
“We’re hoping for more than that this year, but we’ll see how today goes, and then tomorrow,” said Reichelt.
The money raised goes for leadership scholarships of up to $2,000, and for other needs at the school.
They also donated $10,000 to the tech department for the purchase of new equipment, $2,000 to the gardening club to replace stolen power tools, and donated a complete set of storage bins and a new event cart for student council.
“We use this event to improve not only our community, but also our school,” said Reichelt.
This year’s show has 152 craft fair vendors, and six in a food truck festival. The majority are from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
The fair will run again on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
A vendor item raffle will be held, thanks to generous product donations from vendors. Tickets will start at 1 for $3, 3 for $5 and 10 for $10. Draws to be held on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Thomas Haney Thunder culinary program is also ready to serve guests.
For information, see thsscraftsfair.weebly.com