Bratz Biz returns with 70 vendors

Yeah! :D:

Check! ;):

As The Question hits newspaper stands this week, dozens of young people around Whistler will be busy putting the finishing touches on hundreds of handmade creations for this weekend’s Bratz Biz craft fair.

The fourth annual youth craft fair is even bigger than its predecessors — more than 70 young artisans ages 8 to 17 will be on hand to sell their wares. That’s up from just over 50 vendors last year, said Carmen Laslett, co-creator of Bratz Biz.

A range of handmade products will be available for purchase at Whistler Secondary School on Saturday (Dec. 5) — Christmas ornaments, cards, toys, candles, home décor, crocheted hats, “whimsical” stuffed monsters, “yummy baking” and more, Laslett said. The popular clocks made of recycled bike parts, which were sold out by noon last year, are also returning, she said.

Many people who come to Bratz Biz are pleasantly surprised by the range and quality of the items local youth create.

“The shoppers are amazed,” Laslett said. “It definitely exceeds a lot of people’s expectations.”

While the event is a great opportunity for holiday shoppers, it’s also exciting for the young artisans who have worked hard on products to sell. The fair offers the chance to learn a little bit about business and gets local young people into the entrepreneurial spirit, she said.

“They kind of get excited about earning money,” Laslett said.

Created by Laslett and Susan Shrimpton in 2006, Bratz Biz was a vehicle for the two moms to help children promote and develop their artistic talents. The event was a hit from the start and has grown more popular each year. In fact, if the momentum continues, Laslett said more space will be required for the fair next year.

In addition to browsing vendor tables, talking with the young artisans and making purchases, Bratz Biz attendees will enjoy a range of entertainment. Local choirs will sing festive tunes and the Soul Funktion dancers are set to perform, among other acts.

“There’s always something going on,” Laslett said. “It’s a very positive, charged atmosphere.”

Kids can participate in Orkidz craft workshops and have their faces painted by Cary Campbell Lopes, while all ages will enjoy goodies and lunch items at the café.

Bratz Biz runs Saturday (Dec. 5) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whistler Secondary School. Admission is by donation, with 50 per cent of entry proceeds to be donated to the Whistler Community Services Society’s Christmas hamper program.