In the Amazon age of retail, “America’s Favorite Fair” is eager to showcase talented small businesses. Mid-State Fair invites everyone to visit Mission Market Place, a welcoming collection of storefront spaces where visitors can purchase the Central Coast’s best and locally made products.
“Mission Market Place is a collaborative space that will allow twenty local artisans, growers or producers to showcase their locally grown or hand-crafted items to over 420,000 fairgoers,” said Tom Keffury, Mid-State Fair marketing spokesman. “The space will give everyone the feel of a local general store hidden in the heart of wine country.”
Mid-State Fair hand-selected twenty local vendors to each showcase their products. The vendors will be furnished with product placement in Mission Market Place, located in Estrella Hall, the Fair’s largest indoor commercial building.
Among the food items for purchase will be products such as artisan cheeses, jerky, preserved foods, spices and honey. Daily, from July 17-28, the Idler’s Demonstration Kitchen will host food demonstrations by local chefs and offer samples of award-winning olive oils.
“We’re very excited to grow Mission Market Place in 2019,” said spokesman Teresa Dellaganna. “We have fan favorites, including Just Baked, with their freshly-baked cookies, Olea Olive Oil’s popular olive oil products, and Wine Country Craftsman’s inventive woodworking projects made from grapevines and wine barrels.”
New vendors are also expected for 2019.
“Leo Leo Gelato and Veggie Pod can help you cool off during our hot fair afternoons with gelato and cold healthy drinks,” Teresa said. “We’ll also have beautiful jewelry and watch bands from Seaside Treasures and Spark*l Bands. For home décor, visit Sugar+Dirt Designs, Burlapbella, and Barbie Style & Design, and RustedShamrock Photography. They will all be here with pillows, signage, photography and styled pieces.”
A new perk this year is that the fair will staff vendor booths for a 20 percent commission on products and services sold. This frees up vendors from twelve, 12-hour days of work during the fair. All the vendors must do is supply the product and pricing.
“The Mission Market Place is your go-to for one of a kind art and wood working pieces, buyer’s gifts, and locally-produced goodies,” Teresa said. “Be sure to visit the Mission Market Place during the fair and see the bounty of our local growers, producers and artisans.”
