Saturday is a big day for many artisans around Abilene as the semi-annual A People Party Productions Craft Fair will be in full swing, complete with booths of all kinds, food trucks and live entertainment.
The fair, working largely off the phrase “meet the maker,” opens at 10 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m. It is located downtown, on North 4th and Walnut St.
The event Saturday will have food trucks available for lunch and dinner, including Momma Sally’s Café, Trailer-Haus, The Sweetside and ACU’s very own 1881 Food Truck. Live music is also in order all day, including artists like Avy Holmes, Taylor Ochs and The Mountain Natives.
Philip Pappas, from The Mountain Natives, said, “Whether it’s woodworking, coffee or tacos, it’s done with an Abilene spirit. We’re thankful to be a small part of that coming from Dallas/Fort Worth.”
A People Party Productions is not only in the limelight for the upcoming Craft Fair, though. They’re also famous for their constant local support. Jenn Harmel, owner and curator of A People Party Production, said she enjoys that ACU alumni support local business and the spirit of creative entrepreneurship.
A People Party Productions, also known as APPP, is defined on their website as “a promotional business that creates cross promotional and strategic marketing through fun customized events, social media engagement, branding, and local networking with businesses, organizations, artists and musicians.”
The company is owned by Jenn and her husband Forrest, who is also a curators of the company. The duo has been known to help small vendors gain traction and have actually helped pave the way for over 50 vendors to start their own businesses.
Jenn, as an ACU alum, was also the creator of Jam Fest. When asked about its discontinuation, she said, “During my time as a student, student bands were big. If that fades, then I guess there’s no substance for a Jam Fest. Student led craft fairs were also big during my time as a student at ACU. Music and art is where my passion for A People Party Craft Fairs originated.”
