From line up before the doors opened to the crowds inside, the 2022 Ladybug Bazaar was a hit. It's one of Battle Ground’s main events and brought thousands of shoppers to the city.
Next Ladybug Bazaar
Sat., Nov. 2, 2024
With 191 vendor spaces filled to the brim with an extensive variety of handmade items, shoppers made their rounds in two gyms and the mezzanine in one gym. All vendors have Clark County connections; support of local artisans is a goal of the GFWC-Battle Ground event.
Ladybug Bazaar: bringing crafters and shoppers together
Why is the Ladybug Bazaar so popular?
With 191 spaces in two gyms and a open loft in the West Gym there is room for a wide variety of merchandise and still maintain wide aisles for ease of shopping! All wares are handcrafted by local artisans! Commercial booths are not allowed! There is a place to relax and have a snack or two! For years the Ladybug Bazaar has been a social event, a place to meet old friends! Guys enjoy the bazaar too!
Questions, Questions, Questions
When? Always on the First Saturday in November, 9 am to 4 pm.
Where? The two-gym complex at Battle Ground High School, plus an open upstairs area in the larger gym. The main parking lots are at the Main St. high school entrance and off N. Parkway Ave. Watch for the Ladybug Bazaar signs and reader boards in downtown Battle Ground.
Admission charge? None, and no parking fee. There is a suggested donation of canned or packaged food or money to buy food for the North County Community Food Bank.
Restrictions for shoppers? Yes, for the safety of both small children and adults, no strollers are admitted into the shopping areas. However, strollers may be parked in a designated place in the foyer. Shoppers appreciate this restriction.
To protect the gym floor surfaces, no foods are allowed in the gyms. It is suggested to vendors that they provide relief persons to be able to occasionally leave their tables. There is a room set aside to be used only by vendors for relaxation and to have snacks.
To comply with school district policy only certified service dogs are allowed.
History? Starting as a small bazaar of 12 tables in the basement of the old Odd Fellows Hall in 1967, the event has over the years grown in size and prestige. It is currently one of the largest non-commercial bazaars in Southwest Washington. The quality of the merchandise offered to the public is superb. The bazaar supports only vendors who live in Clark County, Washington.
Purposes? The Ladybug Bazaar has two missions: First to provide a venue for quality handcrafted items by local artisans, and second to provide profits to the club which are used to carry out service to the community. The Ladybug Bazaar is the main fundraiser for GFWC - Battle Ground. Among the projects the bazaar has supported are scholarships, assistance to the women’s shelter in Vancouver, the food bank, the public library and many other community projects including support of Military Veterans.
How does the club make the money? The club rents the gym complex from the Battle Ground School District, arranges rental of tables from a party supply company, then rents out spaces (with or without tables) to artisan vendors. Vendors pay NO percentage to the club. There is no requirement to donate toward any raffles. The club also shows a profit from the snack bar. Most of the profits from the bazaar are poured back into community service projects.
How much do vendors pay? Rental prices are according to the amount of space and location within the gyms. Currently, spaces rent from $60 and up.
How soon can I rent a space? Because of its popularity, the bazaar maintains a waiting list. The wait time varies to get to the top of the list.
How can I participate? To inquire about a vendor space or to get on the waiting list, please send a request letter telling us about your handcrafted item(s) to:
GFWC Battle Ground
P.O. Box 871
Battle Ground, WA 98604-0871
Notes to Prospective Bazaar Vendors
A much asked question from prospective vendors is, “Will there be room for me at the next Ladybug Bazaar?” The answer is usually “no,” but vendors can sign up to be on a waiting list.
If you are an interested vendor, please write to: GFWC-Battle Ground, P.O. Box 871, Battle Ground, WA 98604-0871. Include your name, address, phone number and the type of handmade items you have for sale. Someone will get back to you.
Only artisans who live in Clark County may be a vendor, All items must be hand-crafted. Shoppers do not come to the Ladybug Bazaar to purchase commercially-made merchandise. They appreciate local talent, creativity and the dedication you put forth for your craft.
The 2023 Ladybug Bazaar gave shoppers an opportunity to bid on this colorful oversized throw.
Vendors have the option to renew their contracts for spaces next year and many do. In this photo are Contracts chairman RuthAnne and bazaar general chairman Gloria.
Both ladies have met challenges in organizing the bazaar this year after transitioning from the Covid years.
No peeking! While club secretary, Darlene holds the jug of tickets, Chairman Glo pulls out the winner.
The husband of a vendor, Tom Reid, was the elevator man throughout the day. Thanks, Tom!
One of the newer club members, Marsha Gregor, was among those who were stationed among the crowd to answer questions and give directions,
Shoppers take a break to "sit a spell" at the snack bar area organized by long-time member, Marla.
See more photos of last year's bazaar
Go to the "Action Snapshots" page and scroll through club activities down to last year's photos.
On the way down, take note of the many programs and projects the club funds through its profits from the Ladybug Bazaar, a community impact event.