10 Days To Fair!

Volunteerism is a fascinating concept.  When I first spoke with Aisha about taking over for 2012, I asked why she volunteers ( I have my reasons...).  She was perplexed, but answered, "Because it's what we do."  In my mind there was no better answer.  It's what we do.  Volunteers don't ponder, "What's in it for me?" or "How good will this look on my resume?"  We just dive in and take care of whatever needs to be done, satisfied at the end of the day that we did the right thing.  Anyone who has volunteered, then gone back to do it again, understands what it's like to give and not get anything tangible in return.  For some of us it's pure addiction like a runner's high.

The last several weeks have been all about just diving in and getting the work done.  Life happens and this fair is important to Bella Vista.  Nancy and Gerry have spent countless hours as interim leaders, testing their mettle in the chaos of a foreign arena, and coming out women warriors.  Don't laugh!  I have been nothing less than impressed with their efforts, determination, patience, integrity and selflessness.  Because it's what we do.

Each time I see them they shower me with gratitude for coming back to assist them, guide them, and answer questions, but mine is the easiest part because I know the fair inside and out.  They took this over on Aug. 27th, completely in the dark, not knowing if they could pull it off in the short window of time left.  But, the vendors are confirmed, contracts are in place, parent and student volunteers are signing up, the new parking situation resolved, and we have a new food vendor joining us.  The weather promises to cooperate, as usual, and they'll only have themselves to congratulate when it's over.  Ok, and the students, parents, vendors, customers, etc.  ; )

Each year it's the volunteers that give of themselves to make our fair what it is and I, for one, can't be happier to say I was fortunate enough to be one of them.  The personal satisfaction factor is off the charts.  The friends I've made, having worked with some amazing parents, is priceless and will forever be some of my most cherished memories.

The Bella Vista PTSA is eternally grateful to all those who join us in every capacity and contribute the success of our fundraiser.

Thank you, Everyone, and we'll see you on October 5th!
Toni

No More Applications, Please

HAPPY FRIDAY!  Well, for us anyway.

WE ARE NOW FULL AND NO LONGER TAKING APPLICATIONS.

Anyone who has applied and paid using PayPal will be refunded.  IF we have a cancellation, we may make calls to see who is still willing and available to take a last minute vacancy and finalize payment at that time.
 
This year we celebrate the Fair's 30th anniversary and we so grateful to all the vendors, customers, parents and students, past and present, for making this event what it is today - a major contribution to our children's total learning experience.  Bella Vista High School is an outstanding school with an amazing faculty and staff, parent and student bodies.  The money raised in this one day provides those little extras like books, teaching equipment, scholarships, a teacher appreciation breakfast, band equipment, stage curtains, campus benches and plants, assistance for extra-curricular activities, emergency preparation kits, and so much more.  Every time a purchase is made, so many lives are affected and overwhelmingly appreciated.
 
Thank you, Everyone!!!
Bella Vista PTSA

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Due to extenuating circumstances, as of Wednesday, August 28th, our planning schedule has been delayed. Please be advised we are doing everything we can to get back on schedule. Confirmation packets will be finalized starting Friday, August 30th, and all messages will be answered as quickly as possible.
Also, we are no longer accepting applications until further notice.
Any future mailings should be directed to Bella Vista High School, Attn: Craft Fair, 8301 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

The Bella Vista HS PTSA and many others are grateful to Aisha for her time and energy, and wish her well in her endeavors.

I'm Sorry & Thank You

Dear vendors,
Thank you for your continued patience. I apologize for the delay and being out of touch. There have been some snags in our processing but we're back on track and confirmation packets should be in the mail on Tuesday. Starting Monday I will email each of you individually with your Booth #. If you still don't hear anything by by next week (email or snail mail) please email me so I can make sure you didn't get lost in the shuffle.
Again I am very sorry and it should be smooth sailing from here on out.
Aisha

Good News / Bad News

Thank you to all of our vendors who have applied, but we have some good news and some bad news:
Good News: we have had an overwhelming response to our 30th Anniversary Craft Fair
Bad News: we have had an overwhelming response to our 30th Anniversary Craft Fair
Thank you everyone for your patience in this process of ironing out this years kinks, the confirmation packets are being processed as we speak and most (except Section D) will go out this week baring any other unforeseen issue. For those in Section D, we're just waiting for final confirmation from the Fire Department.

2013 Online Craft Fair Application

Hello Crafters,
We are now accepting applications for our 2013 Craft Fair. This year we'd like to announce you can apply and pay for your booths online. Please use the link above or go to: http://form.jotform.us/form/30894454574161.

You can still apply the traditional way, just click on the application at the bottom of the page.
Thank you for your interest & happy crafting!
-Aisha

Dates To Remember

April 8th - Applications become available

June 7th - Applications Due (1st Round of Jurying)

July 10th - Confirmation Packets Mailed

July 24th - 2nd Round of Jurying confirmation packets mailed

Aug 14th - Deadline for FOOD applications

Aug 28th - 3rd Round of Jurying confirmation packets mailed

Sep 18th - Final Deadline for CRAFT applications

2013 Craft Fair

AND IT BEGINS ...
Greetings all! We are gearing up to launch our 2013 Craft Fair! This year marks the 30 year anniversary of this wonderful event and we are very excited.  Over the next week there will be reminder post cards sent out to all potential vendors with more details on when & where you can submit your application.  If you are a potential vendor make sure we have your updated mailing address and email so you can receive all the latest information.