Ashland Blazer Hosts the 2025 Annual Spring Vendor Craft Showcase

Ashland Blazer Hosts the

2025 Annual Spring Vendor Craft Showcase

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

  Get ready for an exciting day of shopping, supporting local businesses, and raising money for a good cause! The highly anticipated vendor event is back and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before. What started as a small fundraising idea has blossomed into a beloved tradition, and this year’s event is shaping up to be another fantastic experience for both vendors and attendees.

       This year the showcase will feature over 60 vendors, various food trucks, and even an appearance from the Easter Bunny! But just how did this amazing event get started?

       The journey began in 2023 when the event’s founder, a passionate member of the Ashland Blazer community, Twyla Agee took on the role of fundraising chair for the Ashland Blazer Band. With a background in custom shirts and frequent participation in vendor shows, she saw an opportunity to not only raise funds for the band but also provide a platform for local vendors to showcase their products. From this spark of inspiration, the first event was born—and it was a resounding success.

Since then, Agee has hosted fundraising showcases for Ashland Band, Ashland Boys Golf, and Ashland Softball, with this being her 8th event. “I knew I could provide my vendor friends community with great events,” she shared. Her mission has always been clear: raise as much as possible for the school’s groups and teams, while offering a supportive and exciting environment for local businesses to thrive.

       The founder’s involvement in these events is deeply personal. Both of her children are part of the Ashland Blazer groups and teams that benefit from the fundraising efforts. Offering an opportunity for coaches and directors to get involved with fundraising is something she feels passionate about, as it allows her to directly contribute to the success of programs that have been so important to her family.

       For now, the proceeds from the events focus on the groups her children are involved in. However, she has plans to expand the event to include other groups and teams at Ashland Blazer in the future. “For now, I’ve focused on groups/teams that my children have been a part of. However, my plan is to offer to other groups and teams at Ashland Blazer and continue to provide my vendor friend community a great event for potential sales and networking,” explained Agee.

       Over the years, the event has seen incredible growth. “Each event gets better and better,” Agee shared with excitement. The vendor community has continued to grow, with more small business owners expressing interest in participating. Word of mouth and social media have played a big role in spreading the word and building momentum for the event. While the primary goal remains to raise money for the school, the event has also become a fantastic networking opportunity for local vendors and a place for the community to come together.

       “We don’t keep track of how many customers come through the door, but each show has been more successful than the last,” she added. For her, success isn’t just measured in dollars raised, but in the experience created for both vendors and customers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

       One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting this event is the ability to give back to the community. Agee shared, “My favorite thing is being able to give.” While some people suggest she could run the event as a business and still donate, she remains focused on her initial goal: supporting students and local businesses. She values the relationships she’s built with small business owners and is always looking for ways to help them succeed.

       As a small business owner herself, Agee understands how challenging it can be to stand out in a competitive market. “It’s hard to get a good customer base and be different from others,” she acknowledged. That’s why she’s so dedicated to offering opportunities for vendors to connect with customers who may not have access to these events elsewhere.

       Through her two to three events each year, Agee hopes to create an environment where vendors can network, build their customer base, and succeed in ways they might not be able to on their own. It’s not just about selling products—it’s about supporting each other and helping small businesses grow.

       Whether you’re looking to find unique products, support your local vendors, or just enjoy a fun day out, this event is the perfect way to do it all. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of something special. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ashland Blazer High School, bring your friends and family, and join us for a day filled with shopping, supporting local businesses, and making a difference in the lives of students at Ashland Blazer. We hope to see you there!