Maplewoodstock: Vendors for Kids Abound

My trusty assistant Catey and I ventured down to Maplewoodstock just after signs of rain disappeared, and it seemed as if everyone else had the same idea.

Seeking out some stories, we both quickly realized that this was not just a great concert venue with cooler-than-cool musicians, and adults and families camping out for the afternoon, but it was a haven for pre-teen fun.

Catey quickly spotted Julie, a.k.a. The Able Baker, and headed over for a yummy cupcake, handed out by Julie's daughter. I can't think of a better way to begin an afternoon, with Julie's daughter and friends to help hand them out.

We then ventured through the vendor stands, and came upon Joy Yagid, selling her photographs and great ideas, my favorite among them being a "photo-in-a-necklace."  I know someday, I WILL put that photo in that necklace.  

We then stumbled upon a really cool booth, named 7th & Bleeker (7thandbleeker.com). There was nothing that interested my 8-year-old daughter in this booth, but it was mad cool with guitars, messenger bags, and other neat stuff that I had to pull myself away from. And, I knew that the proprietor, clad in tattoos and a fun smile, would make a great picture.

Hearts & Crafts was our next stop, giving henna tattoos for only $10, and selling interesting framed fabric Eastern Art, along with some whimsical stones with messages. We got there just in time for Catey's flower henna tattoo—the line was growing quickly. As we were leaving, we spotted an adult getting one on her shoulder. Good stuff.

Hopscotch was our next stop, one of our favorite children's stores in town. Lizzy Barron shared her favorite pillow with Catey, and they chatted as 8-year-olds do—until I had to drag Catey away from all of the wonderful girl accessories.

Holly Ellis of Ellis Designs was next, and what a display of handmade millinery among other fabric items. She boothed right next to Nordea Soapery, selling some of the most beautiful wrapped soaps among other soapy, gift-y items. It all smelled so good!

Reggie of Freeman's Fish Market was of course there with his delicious favorites; in fact, as we were leaving we saw him coming back from the store to replenish. How does this fit with our kid-friendly vendor booth theme? It's a stretch but here goes: Reggie is always ready to make a kid smile with his lobster displays in the store, in and out of the tank. Stop by and say hi.

Down on the field right near our own Patch booth where Mary Mann was dutifully reporting while giving out canvas bags and answering a ton of questions, was Parteaz, who has and does just about everything a girl would need for a party. Catey enjoyed getting her (peace sign) glitter tattoo, as well as a multi-color hair spray dye.  She insists she doesn't want to wash it out; I'm playing that one by ear.

Norm and the gang from Scrivener's Toys and Collectibles were, of course, on hand with a great selection of their even greater selection of toys and goodies from their store on Maplewood Avenue.  Always ready to please, they "comped" Catey some Wikey Sticks, which pleased us greatly. We then sauntered over to Sarah and her MetLife booth and shook Snoopy's hand. Lots of goodies at that table.

The big moon-air-slide was next, provided by Maurice's Party Animals. After Catey flew down, she spotted a caricature booth run by Mike, better known as Speedy Doodle (Mike@SpeedyDoodle.com). Mike is as nice as he is talented. He loves doing caricatures for parties, gifts, logos, etc. Catey asked me if we could get a caricature done of us together, and I happily obliged. We walked away with a great memory of our fun day at Maplewoodstock. 

Not to mention, we heard some really great music all the while.

Coming Soon:  What's in Your Maplewoodstock Basket?