Durand Spring Craft & Vendor Market

April 2025

Drake and I had a nice time at the Durand Spring Craft & Vendor Market to support the Durand Band Boosters. I love participating in events that support school music and theatre programs. Whether I sell books or not, I always have a good day, meet nice people, and my table fee goes to support a cause I believe in. It's a win-win-win!

The event was held at the Durand Middle School, and it was exceptionally well-organized. The tables were marked easily, with enough space between booths that neighbors could chat throughout the day (and spot each other for restroom breaks), but not so close to be clausterphobic. There were a gaggle of high school students on hand to help anyone who needed assistance with pack-in and pack-out... which is a terrific thing. There were a wide variety of vendors filling the gymnasium and three full hallways, from baked goods to hand crafts, 3D printed toys, woodworking, and more. This event had something for everyone!

I met some wonderful people, a few REALLY cute little kids, and a couple of soft & friendly service dogs (yes, I asked before I pet them). If you know me, you know kids and dogs always make the day better. The school wasn't overly packed with visitors, so I between the books I didn't sell and my overstock at home, I have enough inventory for next week's event (which is a good thing when delivery times for author copies is sometimes unreliable). I also came home with my voice intact (a bonus when out in the wilds). Still, there were just enough people walking through to keep me steadily busy.

One particular young woman, Tessie, was a pure delight to meet. She's an enthusiatic writer who has plans to create many, many, many books in her lifetime. Her exuberance was off the charts - in a good way - as we talked about the craft of writing and her story ideas. She took home two workbooks to strengthen her writing practice, and left me with a promise to stay in touch and give me updates as her writing journey continues to develop. We laghed a lot as we talked. It was a tremendous pleasure to meet her, and her mother.😊

Also, I reconnected with Dominique, another friend I met at a show near Frankenmuth a few years ago. We've stayed connected on Facebook, but this was the first time we'd been in the same room in quite a while. How wonderful to see a familiar and friendly face in the crowd, and sign a book for her! I'm so grateful for the readers I meet who then turn into long-lasting friends. My only regret is that we were so lost in the happiness of reconnecting, we didn't think to take a photo. Next time, Dominique! 😉

There was only one small oops for the day... Even though I packed meticulously, and tripple-checked the boxes before loading the car... I left my inventory of Wolfe Cub at home. I'm not sure how I did that. I noticed they were missing when I put all the books on the display shelves. There was an unusually large gap on one shelf, and I had a price tag that was missing a place to be. Oops! I filled in the space with stuffed Emmetts, and I've made a large note on my white board to be sure to pack that box in the car for next week's event in Waterford. But I didn't chastize myself with the guilt of forgetting. This is exactly why I say that the goal with our writing careers is to strive for excellence, not perfection. Rarely do we get everything right ALL THE TIME! (Hear me, oh sneaky typos!) The occasional oops is what makes humanity so much fun! 😉

All in all, it was a good day... Even though it rained the night before, the day of the event was clear and dry - an important detail when moving boxes of books from parking lot to building. I sold enough books to cover my costs for the day plus some extra; I met some wonderful new friends, and connected with someone I hadn't seen in a while. When your day is full of moments like these, it makes you want to go back and do it again next year. 😊