BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 January 15, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
The historic Kennard Auditorium will soon host a first-of-its-kind event for Washington County. On February 1st, The First Annual Washington County Vendor Market will bring together local artisans, food vendors, and small businesses for a day-long celebration of community spirit.
Organized by Brittney Hazuka and Tami Smith of The Fringed Filly, this “Galentines Day Extravaganza” has already captured local attention, with nearly 700 people expressing interest in attending.
“We created the Washington County Vendor Market to allow local vendors to have opportunities to share their talents with the public,” the organizers explain. “We will be creating other events under the WCVM throughout the year that will be held at other Washington County facilities.”
The event showcases a carefully selected group of local vendors offering unique products and services. Visitors can expect to find Catena Jewelry with their permanent jewelry and charm bar, Jaee Beauty providing beauty services, The Red Arrow featuring handcrafted dough bowl candles and wax melts, and Ferne Valley Farm’s local goods. The Fringed Filly will also be present with their popular custom hat bar. These are just a few of the many diverse vendors who will fill the auditorium.
“We tried to pick vendors that offer items you can’t find at the Mall or Walmart,” the business partners note. This focus on unique, local offerings reflects the organizers’ commitment to supporting small businesses in the area.
The timing of the event is purposeful. “Small town people all seem to know each other,” the entrepreneurs share. “Why not give them one roof to shop, eat, drink and build connections for the community?”
For Hazuka and Smith, this market represents just the beginning. They’re preparing to open their first brick-and-mortar store in Arlington in the coming months. “We have a passion for art and artistic ability,” they explain. “We think it is important that all small businesses get the opportunity to get noticed and build a customer base.”
While the event’s name references the increasingly popular “Galentines Day” theme of friendship and community, the organizers emphasize that everyone is welcome. “While vendor booths are populated with woman business owners, it is actually opened to both men and women,” they explain.
The Washington County Vendor Market will run from 9 AM to 4 PM at Kennard Auditorium (305 W 2nd St, Kennard).
