Vendor building at Jasper County Fairgrounds sees improvements
Jul. 13—The changes made to the vendor building at the Jasper County Fairgrounds may seem trivial at first glance, but sometimes it is the smallest improvements that make the biggest differences. Nikki Stravers and Tammi Schwickerath, who have taken charge of the building for the past 10 years, are grateful for the changes.
In addition to a new coat of paint on the ceiling, there are also new fans and LED lights in the building, the latter of which was sorely needed for the past few years.
Stravers and Schwickerath, who also own Absolutely YOUnique Boutique in Colfax, say the 26 vendors stationed in the upgraded vendor building at this year's county fair will be glad improvements have been made. Even more so because a majority of them are returning vendors.
The two sisters have also been vendors of the fair since 2010.
"We were always just present there as vendors with our T-shirts and different things that we did," Stravers said. "The fair board knew we were there every year and they asked if we would consider helping put more people in there. We assured them we had connections of other people that might set up a booth."
Schwickerath added, "They asked us if we could fill the building. We said, 'Give it to us and we'll fill it. But you gotta give it to us first.' And we've filled it every year."
Of course, the vendor building wasn't always exclusive to vendors. Schwickerath said the building was divided in half for some time. Half of it was taking advantage of the kitchen and served breakfast, while the other half was reserved for vendors. Back then there were not that many vendors.
When the sisters took over the building around 2013 or so, they brought with them a steady and dedicated group of vendors, just like they promised. Since then the number of vendors has increased drastically, giving county fairgoers even more to do and look forward to the next year.
Jewelry, crafts, toys, handmade goods and more can be found in the vendor building. Prior to the fair board handing over responsibility to the sisters, only about 10 vendors at most had set up booths in the building. More vendors have piled in every year, which is a weight off fair board members' shoulders.
"I feel like the fair needs to focus on the fair, and if our strength is helping them to run that building so they don't ever have to come in the building or worry about anything, we can take that burden off of them," Stravers said. "It's our strong suit. That way they can focus on the kids, the animals and all the fair stuff."
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the fair, Stravers and Schwickerath are huddled away in the vendor building. It is a lot of work, they said, but they have a blast the whole week. The two frequently play music and make the vendor building a fun environment for everyone.
Customer flow can be slow, so vendors have to find ways to keep things light.
"There might be shenanigans that go on that we pull people into," Schwickerath said. "It's really fun. It's just a fun place. We do have a couple new vendors this year, too, but a lot of them are repeat. (Most visitors) are there for the kids, and they're there to show. We get the leftovers and in-between."
Being in the upgraded building will certainly help brighten things up, too. Quite literally, in fact. Stravers and Schwickerath are looking forward to the building not looking as dark as before and enjoying their newfound comfort. All the while making sure vendors are happy.
"The fair board always asked us if we were OK and were always checking in on us, and that is something we pay forward to the vendors, too," Stravers said. "We make sure if they have any questions or concerns or if they need anything. We want them to come back every year. So we really try to take care of them."
