WHAT IS THE AFRICAN DIASPORA BAZAAR AND CRAFTSFAIR?
The African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair is an opportunity for local crafts people to share their wares while encouraging cooperative economics. We will also creating a space for information and resources to be shared with the public. Our hope is to create a year-round networking opportunity for those of African descent to share their services and products with our community.
From knitwear and jewelry to home décor and specialty foods, the African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair is the one-stop shop for the very best in handmade gifts and wares. Now in our 3rd year, we are bringing 30+ crafters, vintage sellers, and food artisans together for a shopping, eating, and DIY-ing extravaganza in the heart of Oakland’s merging of cultural neighborhoods.
WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE AFRICAN DIASPORA BAZAAR AND CRAFTSFAIR TAKE PLACE?
The African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair will take place indoors and outdoors at the Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland, Ca 94612. It will be open to the public on Saturday November 28, 2015 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM. The Humanist Hall is accessible by AC Transit bus lines 51 (via Broadway) and 1 (via Telegraphy).
HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A VENDOR?
This year, we are only accepting applications online. You must complete the online registration by November 13, 2015 at 9:00 pm to be included in the show.
WHAT KIND OF VENDORS DO YOU ACCEPT?
You represent the African Diaspora. From Oakland to Touba to Adis Ababa, we are looking for high-quality products and services that in their creation; support and strengthen our African Diaspora Communities!
- Crafts women and men, Artisans, Culinary artisans
- Healers (massage therapists, counselors, herbalists, etc.)
- Spiritual Leaders
- Community Activist
- Performers (storytellers, dance, spoken word, drum, etc.)
- Organizations that build and support humanity growth
- Health, Nutrition & Fitness experts
We’re looking for any and all edible/wearable/loveable/handcrafted/one-of-a-kind items and foods you’ve got. They include but are not limited to specialty foods, silk-screened items, cosmetics, knitwear, jewelry, paper goods, handbags, cards, unique vintage items, and more!
We are also creating space this year just for youth! Any youth between the ages of 5 and 18 will have a special area designated for their goods.
We also welcome entrepreneurs who have items to sell that are not their own creation, however, there are limited slots for these. Examples include individuals selling Avon, Divas Defense, etc.
MY CHILD HAS ITEMS THAT HE/SHE SELLS. WILL THERE BE A PLACE FOR YOUNG VENDORS?
Yes! This year, we would like to encourage our children to begin thinking about business ownership. For $20, children (with the help ONLY) of their parents, can set up a table of their own. ONLY items made exclusively by children and youth will be allowed at this rate.
CAN I SHARE A BOOTH WITH ANOTHER VENDOR?
Yes. If you already know the person you'd like to share with, please indicate their name on the application form.
LAST YEAR THERE WERE TOO MANY VENDORS AND NOT ENOUGH SPACE; WILL IT BE THE SAME THIS YEAR.
No. Based on various feedback, we will decrease the number of vendors indoors. This will give each vendor more space to create a beautiful display.
WHAT ARE THE BOOTH/TABLE FEES? WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF A BOOTH SPACE?
A full booth is a 6' x 6' space on the main floor of the Humanist Hall. This includes a 6' x 30" table and two chairs, as well as one wi-fi passcode and access to a standard electrical outlet. African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair will provide all tables and chairs, though you are welcome to bring racks or other display setups if you prefer. All displays must fit within this 6’ x 6’ space.
WHAT ARE 'PREMIUM' BOOTH OPTIONS?
This year, you will have the option to select Premium booth space for an additional fee ($25). Any corner booth is considered Premium and or any booth with 2 sides to display items. This Premium booth gives you an entire end-cap of a vendor row. There are only 8 Premium booths. If you elect a premium booth space when you apply and we are unable to provide you with one due to space limitations, the fee paid for the premium booth option will be refunded to you before the show date.
HOW WILL YOU DETERMINE WHICH VENDORS ARE PLACED INDOORS AND PLACED OUTDOORS?
Vendors will be placed first-come, first served. The indoors will comfortably hold approximately 20 vendors. After this, we will begin utilizing the outdoor space.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING OUTDOORS?
- You have a lot more space to create a beautiful display
- This year, the entertainment, raffle and music will be outdoors
- The food will be outdoors
- You have the option of purchasing a tent ($10) to really create an exquisite outdoor market place feel.
WHAT ABOUT LIGHTING, LAST YEAR ONCE IT GOT DARK, WE HAD NO LIGHT.
This year, we are ending the event before the sun goes down. There will be no need for lights.
IS ELECTRICITY PROVIDED?
Yes, but please bring your own extension cords.
IS WI-FI PROVIDED?
Yes—you will receive an access code for one device.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
Applications for the African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair will be open until November 13, 2015 at 9:00 pm.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO DROP OUT OF THE CRAFTSFAIR ? WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Full refunds of booth price less a $10 processing fee will be available if we are notified before November 13, 2015. If you need to cancel after this date, you can “sell” your space to another vendor that you know.
HOW WILL THE AFRICAN DIASPORA BAZAAR AND CRAFTSFAIR BE PROMOTED?
The African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair will be promoted with a press release, PR blasts, advertising placement on craft websites and listings in local press as well as postcards, posters, and e-mail blasts to local lists as well as promotion our social media platforms.
WHAT KINDS OF INFORMATION WILL BE LISTED ON THE AFRICAN DIASPORA BAZAAR AND CRAFTSFAIR FACEBOOK PAGE?
The Facebook will list all participating vendors with a link to their company website. Once you are notified of your acceptance, please provide us with 3-4 a .gif or .jpg pictures of you, your best product and your logo.
DO SHOPPERS NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR THE AFRICAN DIASPORA BAZAAR AND CRAFTSFAIR?
Yes. Admission is $2 at the door.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We welcome all volunteers wanting to help spread the word about the African Diaspora Bazaar and CraftsFair. Please email Aishah at aandione@yahoo.com to get involved. I’D LIKE TO DONATE AN ITEM TO HELP PROMOTE MY BUSINESS, CAN I DO THIS?
Yes. We will have multiple times during the event where we will be raffling off items. Additionally, we will offer donated items to boost/promote the Facebook event page. Someone will walk around at the beginning of the CraftsFair to collect your items. If you would like to have your items raffled BEFORE the show (perfect way to highlight your business on FB), we can make arrangement to pick up from you in advance.
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Cheers,
African Diaspora Inc.