Young entrepreneurs across Bellingham will take over Lee Memorial Park on Friday, July 31, as the Bellingham Public Library hosts the first of two Children's Craft Fairs this summer. The outdoor market runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Central Library, giving shoppers two hours to browse goods made and sold by vendors ages 13 and under. Every item is priced under five dollars, and sales are cash only, so bringing small bills is a must.
What to Expect at the Fair
The fair features up to 50 young vendors, each running their own small business for the morning. Past fairs have included handmade jewelry, artwork, baked goods, potted plants, sewn items, friendship bracelets, and an assortment of other creative projects. Library staff, who have attended previous editions of the fair, describe it as one of the best opportunities in Bellingham to stock up on inexpensive, handcrafted gifts. Earrings, seasonal crafts, and small stocking stuffers are particular draws, according to the library's own tip: come with plenty of small bills and an open mind.
Lee Memorial Park sits directly adjacent to the Bellingham Public Library's Central Branch at 210 Central Avenue in downtown Bellingham. The park is a small, tree-lined green space that works well for outdoor markets, offering shade and a pleasant setting for an hour or two of browsing. Parking is available in the surrounding downtown area, and the location is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from much of central Bellingham.
A Second Fair Comes to Bellis Fair Mall in August
Shoppers who miss the July 31 date or simply want more, a second Children's Craft Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. inside Bellis Fair Mall. The indoor evening format brings the market into a different setting and typically draws a different mix of vendors from the July event, since young sellers rotate or new participants sign up for the second fair. The mall location at 1 Bellis Fair Parkway in Bellingham provides ample parking and a climate-controlled environment, making it a good option for families with younger children who might struggle with outdoor summer heat.
Together, the two fairs give young Bellingham residents two chances to earn money, practice customer service, manage a table, and experience the satisfaction of selling something they made themselves. The program has run annually for several years and has become a consistent summer fixture for families with children in the entrepreneur age range.
Why These Fairs Matter for Young Sellers
The Children's Craft Fairs are one of the few low-barrier venues in Whatcom County where young people can sell directly to the public without an adult business license or a formal application process. For many participating kids, it is their first experience pricing products, making change, talking to customers they do not know, and managing inventory over a two-hour window. Those are practical skills that translate directly into financial literacy and confidence.
The library's role as organizer reflects its broader mission to support learning and community connection beyond books. Summer programming at Bellingham Public Library typically includes reading challenges, workshops, and community events designed to keep young residents engaged during the months school is not in session. The craft fairs sit neatly within that tradition.
For parents interested in signing up a young entrepreneur as a vendor, the library typically announces application details on its social media pages and website in the weeks leading up to each fair. The July 31 fair is approaching quickly, so checking for vendor registration information soon is advisable. As a buyer, no registration is required. Simply show up at Lee Memorial Park on July 31 at 11 a.m. with cash and a tote bag, and support the next generation of Bellingham small business owners.
