GFWC - Battle ground, WA
The Ever Popular Annual Ladybug Bazaar
What’s NEW? In 2011 we added 30 new spaces by placing vendors in the mezzanine of the larger gym. There are now a total of about 180 spaces and still plenty of room in the aisles for shoppers to get around to their favorite vendors.
When is the next bazaar? First Saturday in November 3, 2012.
Time? 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place? The two-gym complex at Battle Ground High School, plus an upstairs mezzanine in the larger gym. Watch for the Ladybug Bazaar signs in downtown Battle Ground.
No admission. Suggested donation: Canned or packaged food or money to buy food for the North County Community Food Bank.
Are there restrictions for shoppers?
Yes, for the safety of small children and adults...no strollers are admitted into the shopping areas. However, strollers may be parked in a designated place in the foyer.
To protect the gym floor surfaces, no liquids or foods are allowed in the gyms. Vendors are asked to provide their own relief persons to be able to occasionally leave their tables.
What is the background of the Ladybug Bazaar?
Starting as a small bazaar of 12 tables in the basement of the Odd Fellows Hall in 1967, the event has over the years grown in size and prestige. It is currently one of the largest non-commercial bazaars in Southwest Washington. The quality of the merchandise offered to the public is superb. We support vendors who live in Clark County, Washington.
What are the purposes of the Ladybug Bazaar?
The Ladybug Bazaar has two missions: First to provide a venue for quality handcrafted items by local artisans, and second to provide profits to the club which are used to carry out service to the community. The Ladybug Bazaar is the main fundraiser for GFWC - Battle Ground. Among the projects the bazaar supports are scholarships, assistance to the women’s shelter in Vancouver, the food bank, the float Battle Ground enters in the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade and many other community projects.
How does the club make money from the Ladybug Bazaar?
The club rents the facility from Battle Ground High School, then rents tables from a party supply company, then re-rents out the spaces to artisan vendors.
How much does it cost vendors to rent a space at the Ladybug Bazaar?
Rental prices are according to the size of space and location within the gyms. Currently, spaces rent from $50 to $65 each.
If I want to rent a space at the Ladybug Bazaar, how soon can I get a space?
Because of its popularity, the bazaar maintains a waiting list. It takes about two years to get to the top of the list.
How do I find out more
about participating in the Ladybug Bazaar?
To inquire about a vendor space or to get on the waiting list, please send a request letter telling us about your handcrafted item(s) to:
GFWC Battle Ground
P.O. Box 871
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Shoppers line up early to get into the Battle Ground High School gym complex at 9 a.m. sharp! However, vendors bring enough “good stuff” to last the day, so arriving early is not necessary.
Over 180 tables in two connecting gyms plus a mezzanine in the larger gym presented shoppers a huge variety of handcrafted wares. Although there are many “booths,” the aisles are wide enough for comfortable shopping and vendors enjoy having “elbow room.” This view is from the mezzanine of the larger of the two gyms.
Eat under the floating ladybugs! Light snacks are available throughout the day. Coffee, tea, juices, sodas, yummy pastries, quality hot dogs, fruit, and nachos with cheese is available all day.
Vendor Notes
A much asked question from prospective vendors is, “Will there be room for me at the next Ladybug Bazaar?” The answer is “no,” but vendors can sign up to be on a waiting list. Traditionally, there it has taken about two years after signup to actually be in the bazaar.
If you are an interested vendor, please write to: GFWC-Battle Ground, P.O. Box 871, Battle Ground, WA 98604. Include your name, address, phone number and the type of handmade items you have for sale. Someone will get back to you.
Remember, artisans are to be only from Clark County and all items must be hand-crafted. Shoppers do not come to the Ladybug Bazaar to purchase commercially-made merchandise. They appreciate your talent and dedication to your craft.
Shoppers donated an abundance of food and money to help feed clients who need the services of the local food bank.
GFWC club members served snacks all day.
Thanks to the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir, the holiday spirit was in the air for hours!
Tina, one of the club’s newest members, was door-keeper and sold shopping bags. Sales will benefit the community’s project to erect a Veterans’ memorial in Battle Ground.
Sue and Ruth Anne were at the information table renewing contracts for next year’s bazaar and giving out information to prospective vendors.
