After a yearlong hiatus forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Autumn Craft & Treasure Market (ACTM) will return in 2021 to its rightful place in conjunction with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival.
There is, of course, a major caveat: The Sycamore Music Boosters, which hosts the ACTM, will comply with all local, state and national health guidelines with regard to large public gatherings in indoor spaces.
Presuming a green light, the Autumn Craft & Treasure Market (aka “the craft fair”) will run 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at the Sycamore High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for students and seniors. Children under 5 are free. Proceeds benefit the Sycamore Music Boosters.
Vendor applications are available online at www.sycamoremusicboosters.com.
The ACTM is the Sycamore Music Boosters’ biggest fundraiser. Boosters president Cara Jovanovich said canceling last year was a painful but necessary decision.
“Canceling the craft fair last year was probably the most painful decision the Boosters ever made,” Jovanovich said, “but after a lot of research, asking ourselves ‘what if’ a million times, and looking at the state’s health picture, canceling was really our only option.
“We realize the craft fair is a huge business impact for our vendors, it’s a wonderful pre-holiday shopping experience for thousands of people, and yes, it’s our biggest source of raising money to support Sycamore music programs,” she continued. “So, we’re absolutely delighted – fingers crossed! – to return this fall.”
Evolving over nearly a half century, the ACTM has become one of the best craft fairs in the Midwest. Situated during lovely Illinois autumn, just before the holidays and synchronous with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival (one of the largest festivals in the Midwest), the Market draws about 6,000 shoppers to more than 100 booths in an indoor, climate-controlled facility. Craft fair vendors, the majority of whom are small businesses, offer thousands of unique and eclectic items ranging from textiles to jewelry to art to home decorations to foods and spices to pet paraphernalia.
Vendors enjoy free setup help from volunteering Sycamore students, and shoppers enjoy free, on-site parking at Sycamore High School. Thanks to loaner golf carts supplied by the Sycamore Park District, shoppers can get free rides to/from vehicles. Hungry or thirsty? No need to leave: the Treasure Market will also offer a variety of foods, beverages and desserts (again, following health and safety guidelines).
Beginning this year, the Treasure Market welcomes new leadership. Darcie Anderson has assumed the role of General Manager, and Jenelle Robers (Boosters vice president) will serve as Vendor Chair. Anderson and Robers, who have been streamlining ACTM procedures, said enthusiasm and vendor signup has been strong.
“Darcie and I get calls and emails nearly every day about the Autumn Craft and Treasure Market,” Robers said. “Our vendors are eager to get back to their usual spaces, and we’re thrilled to be able to welcome them back.”
About Sycamore Boosters
Sycamore Music Boosters supports students in K-12 music programs offered within Sycamore Community School District 427. Its board of directors is a volunteer group of parents and community members. Board meetings are open to the public. Please visit sycamoremusicboosters.com for more information, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our email address is sycamoremusicboosters@gmail.com.
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