OLEAN — Over 100 vendors have signed up to take part in the fifth city of Olean Youth and Recreation craft show on May 4.
The show will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the William O. Smith Recreation Center, 551 E. State St. Admission is free, while vendors are charged booth fees which go to the city’s youth programming.
There were 109 vendors sign up this year, said coordinator Linda Minnemeyer.
“We have 15 outside in tents this year, and I think we have five food vendors coming this year,” she said. “It’s just really a big selection for someone looking to get a nice gift for Mother’s Day the next weekend.”
In 2023, the show saw 108 vendors sign up, with many expected to return this year. The show was first held in 2019, but was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been held every year since.
Thanks to vendors’ fees, thousands of dollars have been raised to aid programs. Funds raised at the 2023 show funded a swing in War Vets Park that accommodates an adult and child so the two can swing together in one unit. Other purchases over the years include roller and ice skates and skating-related equipment, and a pool table for the city’s youth center in the former St. John’s School.
No decision has been made on what to purchase with booth rental funds this year.
“Whatever they need is all right with us,” Minnemeyer said, expecting skate purchases to be likely.
