Friends of the Park offers spots to vendors

Friday, June 26, 2009

By MARIBETH WARD

Staff Writer

BAINBRIDGE -- Russellville's Friends of the Park organization is offering vendor space at the Bainbridge Community Center during the Covered Bridges of Putnam County Festival October 9-18.

All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization.

There is space for 100 vendors outside the community building at a cost of $100 for a 10-foot by 10-foot booth. Groups or individuals reserving three or more spots receive a 25 percent discount.

Nonprofit groups can set up for free but must request a space and provide a copy of their 501(c) determination.

Electricity is available at an additional fee of $25 and is limited.

A separate area near the water tower has been set-aside for garage sale/flea market vendors.

The fall festival will replace the organization's annual Blast from the Past Festival, which has had disappointing results the past two years.

"Six vendors didn't come due to the death of a local student and on Saturday, nine left early. We didn't realize there was a big baseball event going on in the park," explained festival organizer Dianna Gorrell at the last Bainbridge Town Council meeting.

"We need to move it from June to October. The Indiana State Festival Association suggested setting up during the Covered Bridge Festival. They think we would do really well during that time," said Gorrell.

The two-day Blast from the Past has been the main fundraiser for Friends of the Park in Roachdale, Bainbridge and Russellville and helps support the Summer Fun in the Sun program in local parks.

Proceeds from the show also helped fund the Summer Lunch Bunch Program, field trips, Red Ribbon Week and the End of Summer Luau for kids.

Gorrell is hoping changing the event to run during the annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival will bring in vendors and festival goers.

For a downloadable contract for the Covered Bridges of Putnam County Festival go to www.friendsoftheparkrussellville.org. Anyone without Internet access may call Gorrell at 435-2813.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: