EHS Band Boosters to host Craft Fair, its largest fundraiser, at new location - The Edwardsville Intelligencer

EDWARDSVILLE — The 28th Annual Craft Fair fundraiser for the Edwardsville High School Marching Tigers band program will be held Nov. 13 and 14 at the Collinsville Gateway Center.

The event is usually held at EHS but, due to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines, the decision was made to move the event to a larger space.

The fair is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14.

The cost to enter is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and veterans and free for children 12 and under. Tickets will be available at the door.

Due to state guidelines, masks must be worn inside the building at all times, and strollers are not allowed, according to the fire marshal.

According to EHS Band Booster Publicity Chair Adrienne Linden, the Craft Fair historically raises approximately $50,000 as the largest fundraiser for the EHS Marching Tigers Band program.

The Band Boosters were able to host the Tiger Ambush Classic marching competition in September, but all of its major fundraising events were canceled last year due to the pandemic. These events include the Tiger Ambush Classic, Glow Bingo and the annual Craft Fair.

Related: EHS Marching Tigers host 13th annual Tiger Ambush Classic

Funds raised pay for the rights to the music played during the band’s marching and concert seasons as well as to purchase or repair instruments and equipment, acquire materials to build props, purchase costumes, flags and other gear for the color guard team and update uniforms to fit the theme of the show. The funds also cover transportation costs for moving students and equipment to and from events, competition entrance fees, and any additional staffing costs during the marching season.

“The band was forced to use much of its reserves in order to keep the 2020-2021 & 2021-2022 band program operational,” said Linden. “The band simply cannot support another quality season for the Students or Community without this important fundraiser.”

After a successful season in which the band received fifth place out of 42 bands at state, a school record, the program relies on the support of District 7 and the greater Edwardsville & Glen Carbon communities to support their continued success.

RELATED: Marching Tigers roar with best finish ever at state competition

Linden said the Craft Fair usually draws approximately 5,000 people. She said many attendees are repeat patrons due to the quality of the crafts available at reasonable prices.

“It’s a terrific way to start off holiday shopping,” Linden said.

According to the Band Boosters Vice President and Craft Fair Chair Lynette Watson, the vendors will be fewer in numbers this year than in years past. However, Watson is still reporting about 275 vendors, and with the last-minute change to the venue, the smaller number may be a good thing.

“The space configuration is a little different than in when it is held at EHS, so we’re thrilled there were as many spaces available as there were,” said Linden.

The change in venue came when District 7 informed the Band Boosters that the size and expected attendance of the Craft Fair within EHS would not meet current CDC and state safety guidelines.

“Frankly, the district’s hands were tied,” Linden said.

Linden said the Band Boosters, with the full support of District 7, had about one week to find an alternate location to accommodate the event. The group discovered that Collinsville Gateway Center was available on the dates needed.

“Knowing that this is a major fundraiser and the desperate situation we were in, the center’s owners have been very generous and supportive to the EHS band,” Linden said. Despite the support, there are still additional unexpected costs that come with using the Gateway Center for the craft fair. Therefore the Band Boosters have made an effort to publicize the event beyond the usual communities within District 7.

Despite the slightly smaller size, Watson said the variety of vendors will be the same as past events. One of the vendors new to this year’s Craft Fair makes critters called Ookaloos.

“They even have adorable accessories available for them. Children will love them,” Watson said.

Some vendors specialize in intricate woodworking and, according to Watson, others upcycle “to a whole new level.”

Washington Kettle Corn will also be featured at the fair.

According to Linden, it takes the EHS Band Boosters about a year to organize and prepare for the annual Craft Fair. A Craft Fair Committee reviews the vendor applications, tracks the status and fees for each vendor and communicates updates to the rules and regulations.

“The EHS Craft Fair has such a great reputation with the crafting and artisan community that there is a wait list,” said Linden. “Crafters are carefully screened for the quality of their products.”

The committee also handles the volunteers for the event, including soliciting parents for help. Band and color guard students are required to work at the Craft Fair to help with setting up and tearing down, attendee questions and concessions.

Though the event will look different this year, Linden said, “We are just so thrilled to host the Craft Fair after a year off.”

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EHS Band Boosters to host Craft Fair, its largest fundraiser, at new location - The Edwardsville Intelligencer
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