Seven ways to help build our next two markets.

Finds and secures the venue. The single biggest lever on how much a market raises, because the right location brings its own crowd.

• Scout venues that are visible, accessible, and family-friendly
• Prioritize spaces with built-in foot traffic over destination-only spots
• Ask about partnerships, discounts, or waived fees for a nonprofit event
• Walk the space and confirm parking, restrooms, power, and weather backup

Good fit if you know the area well, enjoy scouting places, and are comfortable asking a venue manager for a favor. Front-loaded work, mostly done 6 to 10 weeks out.

Brings in the businesses, sponsors, and donated items that stretch every dollar. Also runs the silent auction from the item side.

• Approach local businesses for sponsorship or in-kind contributions
• Solicit and organize silent auction items, then track what came from whom
• Build relationships with schools, neighborhood associations, and community leaders
• Make sure every sponsor is properly thanked, publicly and personally

Good fit if you're comfortable making the ask and following up. Our past sponsors came almost entirely from personal relationships, so your network matters more than a polished pitch.

Chooses the beneficiary for each market and sets the expectation that they show up as a real partner, not just a recipient. For spring, also recruits the farms and practitioners who will speak.

• Identify nonprofits that fit the season's theme and have a real local presence
• Confirm up front that they will co-promote to their own list and followers
• Ask what they can bring: volunteers, email reach, media contacts
• Keep them engaged from the first conversation through event day
• For Blooming Together, invite local farms and wellness practitioners to give a talk

Good fit if you're organized and diplomatic. This is where we most want to improve, because a nonprofit that actively promotes changes the whole outcome of a market.

Recruits the makers and keeps them informed, so vendors arrive confident and want to come back next season.

• Reach out to local makers and small businesses to fill the vendor roster
• Match applicants to each market's focus: artisans in December, wellness and growers in spring
• Keep food and beverage to two or three slots, chosen for variety
• Manage applications, fees, and the confirmation list
• Send clear logistics ahead of time: arrival, setup, table, timing
• Be the person vendors can find on event day when they need something

Good fit if you're responsive and warm over text and email. Returning vendors are our best sign of health, and they return because they felt looked after.

Makes sure people know the market is happening, and captures it well enough to build the next one.

• Submit to community newsletters, local press, and event calendars
• Create social content in the weeks before, then post during the market
• Shoot photos and video on the day, including a short recap
• Coordinate with the nonprofit's communications person so we post in sync

Good fit if you write quickly, shoot decently on a phone, or know the local media and neighborhood groups. Our recap videos did more for credibility than anything else we tried.

Runs the market while it's happening. The largest team, and the easiest place to start if you've never volunteered with us.

• Staff check-in and greet families as they arrive
• Run kids' craft and activity stations
• Manage the silent auction table, bidding, and closeout
• Track donations and ticket sales accurately
• Help with setup, breakdown, and hospitality for vendors and guests

Good fit if you want a clear task on a specific day with no ongoing commitment. Shifts are typically two to three hours, and you can bring a friend or an older child.

Creates the warmth people remember. This is the difference between a room of tables and a market families talk about afterward. In spring, this team also shapes the talks and demo schedule.

• Plan decor and seasonal touches that match the market's theme
• Coordinate live music and performers
• Design the gratitude moment where we thank sponsors and volunteers
• Look after the small details: signage, flow, comfort, and welcome

Good fit if you have an eye for atmosphere and enjoy hosting. Past markets have featured live music, a bouquet cart, a Spring Fairy photo station, and fairytale tea parties.