Profile: Strawberry Swing Craft Fair Goes Virtual
One of KC’s greatest craft fairs goes virtual to keep up with the times.
More than four times a year, hundreds of makers and thousands of attendees flock to The Strawberry Swing’s indie craft fairs. On May 30 and 31, The Strawberry Swing is taking their Spring Swing virtual in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID while still promoting local makers and the sense of community it’s known for.
We talked with Katie Mabry van Dieren, Owner, Curator and Founder of the Strawberry Swing, for more details on how to attend, what the show will be like, and how to spread the word!
Annie Austen (left) with Katie Mabry van Dieren at Strawberry Swing 2019 in Union Station
What is The Strawberry Swing for those who don’t know?
The Swing is a highly curated indie craft fair and the Midwest’s celebration of the handmade movement. Our juried makers specialize in ceramics, clothing, printing, painting, photography, woodworking, leather working, metalsmithing, fiber arts, and more. We strive to showcase the highest quality handmade goods in an inclusive and accessible environment. Founded in 2011 right here in Kansas City, we have become the place to go to find and meet your favorite and also, brand new, makers!
What makes The Strawberry Swing different from other craft fairs?
I think the community and camaraderie that comes from both the makers and the guests make The Swing such a success and such a destination for a real experience unlike any other. We actually have a term one of the makers coined that we all experience after my events: “a Swing hangover”! It's like one big maker party but also, a lot of hard work. After the festival ends, we're all longing for more but also, tired as hell.
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Swing. Maker: @prism.kc
How do you plan to virtually recreate the interactive elements (such as live music, food vendors, DIY stations, etc.) that are such a defining part of The Strawberry Swing?
I am using a platform that was recently developed for festival promoters like myself from my friends at Booth Central. This platform will allow us to have one live video at the top of the website featuring multiple people at once and all the vendor booths will be shown below the live stream. We will have the live music, DIY lessons, and more broadcasting on the site both days and the vendors 'booths' will be below for your perusal! You can even click into many of the vendors booths and chat live with them just like you would at our events. It's so exciting and the first time anything like this has been done in Kansas City! We are excited to be one of the first virtual festivals in the world to use this new software. We're hoping to recreate the interactive and fun elements that make The Swing so special this way. Also, we'll have four food trucks set up in different parts of the metro on May 30 and 31 that guests can pre-order from then go curbside pick-up and bring home to dine while they shop!
How will people attend the event?
All guests will have to do is click this LINK. If they want to click “going” on the Facebook Event and follow us on Instagram beforehand, we're doing lots of cool giveaways of makers' handmade items!
Strawberry Swing in years past.
How many vendors will be participating?
115! All from Kansas City or The Midwest.
What will the shopping experience be like?
It will be Kansas City's first Virtual Craft Fair. Shopping local and small from our makers is a win/win. You're supporting a local person's dreams AND you're receiving something in return that is unique, original and made from the heart right here in Kansas City. Also, many of the makers are creating limited edition items JUST for the fair, so you may be able to get a piece that will only be made for this event! Keep watching our social media leading up to the event and find out more!
What are the best ways to support The Strawberry Swing and the participating vendors?
Attend virtually May 30 and 31! Spread the word! Share our makers or tag us and share our event with your family and friends. Help us spread the word.
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Swing. Maker: @little_fury
A sense of community is something that many people are missing right now. Do you feel that this event will help people feel less isolated and more connected?
Yes, 100%. We briefly thought about cancelling the Spring Swing completely but the cry for community during these times of social distancing was too loud, so this is how we have determined we will do it!
How are you doing? How are the makers doing?
I'm good (today). Some days I feel anxious and sad, but most days I feel hopeful and inspired to see how Kansas City is pivoting to thrive during this pandemic. Watching my cohorts create masks and PPE for the community and for first responders, watching them create hand sanitizer, watching food trucks and restaurants pivot to serve food to first responders and those in need; it's been incredible to see. We are hoping that by holding our fair virtually, we can support those who make our world go round: the makers, the doers, the dreamers!
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Swing. Maker: @thecraftdaddies
Where’s the best place to get more details on the event?
Right here: https://www.facebook.com/events/171152250760781/
and here: https://my.boothcentral.com/v/events/the-6th-annual-spring-swing-kansas-citys-1st-virtual-craft-fair
