Rapid City S.D. – We see craft fairs and similar events all the time in the Black Hills. What happened for the first time yesterday, however, was a similar event. But all the vendors were kids under 18. The 4h building at the Central States fairgrounds hosted western South Dakota’s first ever kids-made market event.
All the vendors are kids between 5 and 18 with an assortment of homemade items for sale. A lot of people showed up for this first-time event. Trisha Miller, one of the 4H leaders who helped organize the event said, “We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback. People like the idea of supporting kids and seeing what the kids are doing. We have a huge variety of things that the kids are doing here. So, I would say that the response has been great.”
What surprised many who attended this event was the amount of quality stuff for sale. All from the passionate work of kids with those interests. Miller added, “I think it would surprise them to see the talent we have in the room. We have a 17-year-old who has published her book already. She’s selling her book here, and we have young people doing welding. They are making stained glass; they are making crocheted animals. They’re just doing a lot of trades that I think even most adults don’t know how to do.”
The kids who were selling items were doing it because it is their passion. Like Ray Bender, who sold healthier survival food alternatives. Ray Bender said, “So, I think a lot of people get to share their innovative ideas and spread the things that they like to do.”
Although this was a one-day event, with such a warm response from the community. The plan is to host this event at the Central State’s Fairgrounds annually. Only with plans for more vendors under 18.
