Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

DOWAGIAC — Vendors from across Michiana will convene at Dowagiac Middle School Saturday to sell their goods for a cause.

The inaugural Mother’s Day Market and Craft Fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Dowagiac Middle School. Sponsored by the middle school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Team, the event will feature close to 60 vendors selling products ranging from candles, furniture, jewelry, handmade soap, baked goods, 3D printing, plants, engravings, fabric crafts and more. 

PBIS Team members and event organizers McKenzie Collins and Amy Steinman said the idea for a craft fair was born during Christmas Break. Collins, who makes jewelry, suggested a craft fair to raise money for an end of the year celebration for all of the middle school students. 

“As a team we do lots of things for students and staff to increase positive school culture at DMS,” Steinman said.

According to the duo, the response to the craft fair has been positive.

“It’s been overwhelmingly supported,” Collins said. “We were talking with vendors and some are hesitant to do first-year events. Many vendors have said they will support the cause.”

In addition, middle school students will be working the concession stand. Both Collins and Steinman are looking forward to the event.

“It would be cool to see an awesome turnout for vendors and to raise funds for end-of-the-year celebration for the students,” Collins said. “For many kids, school is where kids spend most of their time. We do what we can to make it a positive environment.”

“We’re hoping that it is successful and something we can build on next year to make it even better,” Steinman added.