A HUGE HULLABALOO THANK YOU!

Photography credit: Bri Stachowski for And North.

Well-rested and ready to give everyone the proper thanks they deserve…Here it goes:

We had an amazing weekend, and on all accounts, so did everyone else, with many vendors reporting their highest sales EVER happening at Hullabaloo! We had about 1,800 people shop Hullabaloo this weekend—they came from near and far (as far as NJ, CT, Brooklyn, and beyond)… they made the choice to spend their money with our amazing designers, artists, craftspeople, makers, and food purveyors (rather than at the malls or online)…they RAVED about the quality of our vendors, the organization of the event, and the great time they were having. The response from the community and the local and regional media was overwhelming. We are bursting with excitement, appreciation, and love for every single one of you who helped us make this event truly unique, and hugely successful.

Special thanks to:

·       Peter Demuth Photography – Thank you for running the photo booth with both amazing photography skills and tireless enthusiasm. You even got my (Courtney's) Dad to put on a paper crown, hold up a fake bowtie, and act like a goof in public.

·       Anna Rexia and her Winter Spirits –You have NO IDEA what an asset you and your talent were to our event. The costumes were the definition of spectacular and you are an incredible presence both at our event and in the world…<3

·       Tom Delooza’s Wet Plate Photography – Your tintype portraits were one of the most unique aspects of Hullabaloo and we are so honored that you could be a part of it. You “old-schooled” a large chunk of the Hudson Valley population, and your work this weekend totally kicked the 21st Century’s ass.

·       DJ Mr. Chips – Seriously, dude. Best event DJ EVER. You not only found the right balance between making Hullabaloo an awesome party and making conversation/transactions audible, you played a seriously dope mix of music.

·       Will Lytle of Thorneater Comics – What can you even say about Will? This guy must’ve drawn a million amazing $1 portraits this weekend, with a smile on his face and complete disregard for any hand cramps he may have been suffering. One of the warmest, most genuine people around, I think. He and Anna together can rule the world.

·       Nixie Sparrow – We can relate to these two lovely ladies with a new and awesome arts-related business. Their DIY gift wrap table was SO MUCH FUN for kids and adults alike and we appreciate their sponsorship and support SO MUCH. Their DIY space in Beacon? It’s gonna be HUGE! Check it out!

·       Volunteers – We are so fortunate to have amazing families and friends who helped out in ways…I was about to say “big and small,” but that wouldn’t be accurate: Everyone went WAY above and WAY beyond…there were no small favors involved. Whether you put up tables, made decorations, worked the welcome table, or just were patient with us when we may not have been our usual cheerful selves, we could not have done this without you. There are too many people to name here, but they know who they are, and our hearts are full with appreciation. THANK YOU!

·       Sponsors – OMG, how lucky are we? We had the support of the best wine shop (Kingston Wine Co.), the most in-the-know magazine (Chronogram), the most beautiful blog on upstate adventures (And North), Basch & Keegan - Kingston’s Super Lawyers (that’s a thing), the Hudson Valley’s most fabulous DIY space (Nixie Sparrow), the greenest energy people around (Green Mountain Energy), a gallery that put the FINE arty in our party (1 Mile Gallery), brewers of our new favorite local beers (North River Hops and Brewing), the hippest restaurant (Boitson’s), our favorite consultant (Courtney Strong, Inc.), home of the Hudson Valley’s most talented tattoo artists (Graceland Tattoo), and the area’s most awesome radio show (The Heavy Light Show). Thank you thank you thank you for your support and friendship!

·       The Anchor – For hosting our Arty After Party. It was so amazing to spend some extra time hanging out with our vendors and friends, have a beer and enjoy the best burgers in town, while unwinding after a busy first day. Thank you to Brandy and the rest of the folks there for offering us some great specials and a laid back atmosphere!

·       Vendors – What can we say? We’re proud to count all of you not only among our incredibly talented vendors, but also as friends. SO MUCH LOVE. <3

·       Shoppers – A TREMENDOUS thank you to EVERYONE who came from near and far to support local artists, designers, craftspeople, makers, and purveyors. Thank you for your rave reviews, your support, and your enthusiasm. We are overwhelmed.

Keep an eye on the website for news about future events (definitely next year, if not before!) and on our social media for news about Hullabaloo, the Kingston scene, and our vendors.

We can’t wait to Hullabaloo with you AGAIN!

XOXO

Courtney & Danielle

P.S.- (from Courtney)

On a personal note: When Danielle first started talking about shaking up the Kingston area craft fair scene, I said I wanted to help out and get involved. These talks began at a mixer for a small business group we’d both just joined as new business owners and I thought maybe I’d write a couple of press releases or some website copy. Little did I know just how involved I’d get, or that it would become such a “thing”…I definitely did not anticipate that, of all the cool stuff I’ve worked on, it would become one of the things I’m most proud of. I also didn’t know just how much our fast-growing friendship would come to mean to me. I’m lucky to call her (and her super-cool husband Joe!) one of my very best friends, as well as my partner in this crazy thing we’re doing…

Maker Spotlight!: Good Afternoonan, Brookside Bungalow, Melissa Mandel, Mixed Made, and Plural Studio.

Good Afternoonan Do you need a gift for a “discerning pet’s human”? Then stop by Katie’s table at Hullabaloo! She’s coming up from Brooklyn to offer the Hudson Valley pet-gifts-for-people: pillows, magnets, temporary tattoos, and more featuring your favorite pets and best-loved breeds. They’re all as quirky and adorable as your canine companions and feline friends, too. Don’t see your pet’s doppleganger? She does custom pet portraits! Problem solved.

Brookside Bungalow – Maggie’s collection of handmade pendant lights started as a favor for a friend—but after Maggie (with the help of her husband who has experience in electrical work) designed the lighting for her friend’s shop, the feedback was so overwhelming that she decided to offer her pieces to a wider market.  Maggie’s lights are inspired by her wanderings on the banks of the Hudson River, and she often incorporates local driftwood into her pieces. Perfect in any room, they’re a great gift for anyone who appreciates great design and beautifully-lit spaces!  In addition to these unique and functional art pieces, she’ll also have some of her vintage finds for sale at Hullabaloo.

Melissa Mandel – Melissa, who studied printmaking at SUNY New Paltz, lives in New Paltz, NY where she creates drawings and etchings, screen-printed gifts, and stuffed animals from her original designs.  She has also provided illustrations for CD covers, posters, websites and more.   Check out Melissa’s stuffed yetis and other gifts at Hullabaloo for the kids and whimsical art-lovers on your list!

Mixed Made Casey and Morgen’s chili-infused honey, Bees Knees, is made in Brooklyn from Hudson Valley honey. They describe it as “the last hot sauce you’ll ever need” and explain that its “sweet kick up front slowly builds to spicy intensity.” It’s been featured in GrubStreet, Uncrate, the kitchn, and more, and they’ll be on CNBC’s The Power Pitch shortly! You can put it on anything from grilled meats to breakfast sandwiches, use it in dressings and marinades, and drizzle it on veggies, cheese, or ice cream. Anything that versatile is sure to be a holiday hit: Try it on your Thanksgiving turkey! Bees Knees will be available at Honeybrooks Farm’s table at Hullabaloo, so get your sweet and your spicy in one spot!

Plural Studio Using digital technologies to create limited edition accessories for people and their homes, Courtney and Michael’s jewelry and other gifts offer accessible high design. They find inspiration in “architecture on the micro-level, observing transitions, connection, and details as the sum of all parts, both man-made and in nature.” They live and work in Kingston and this is their first year at Hullabaloo, so check them out for affordable, design-focused gifts!

Vendor Spotlight!: Field Guide Design, Jay Teske Leather Co., Hawk Dance Farm, Ehstern, and Wishbone Letterpress.

Field Guide Design – Darbie Nowatka, from Kingston, NY is returning to Hullabaloo for year two! You may know Darbie from her band Bishop Allen, but did you know she makes super-cool pet rock necklaces and DIY geometric ornament kits, and has an awesome vintage clothing Etsy shop too? Her necklaces harness the power of various stones to bring you luck in various aspects of life and come beautifully packaged with an explanation of the stone’s significance. She’s got awesome taste in vintage clothing and accessories too, so check out her double spot at Hullabaloo to see both her handmade designs and her vintage finds!

Jay Teske Leather Co. - Jay is the owner of Pirate Upholstery on the Rondout in Kingston, where he makes custom motorcycle seat upholstery. With Jay Teske Leather Co., he offers smaller leather products like key fobs, wallets, portfolios, luggage tags, and airplant holders (for the friend who literally has everything, except time to care for high-maintenance plants!). Jay is based in Kingston, and uses hides from the remaining two tanneries in the country that specialize in bridle leather. He finishes his handsome pieces with solid brass, stainless steel, and nickel-plated brass hardware. Great gifts for guys are hard to find, but look no further than Jay’s table at Hullabaloo!

Hawk Dance Farm - In addition to heirloom vegetables, herbs, and flowers, which they sell at farmers’ markets, to restaurants, and at natural food stores, the folks at Hawk Dance Farm in Hillsdale also make these beautiful candles that they’ll be selling at Hullabaloo! Made from 100% beeswax, they remind you of a traditional, cozy holiday and make great gifts for hostesses, friends, teachers, and gift swaps. Welcome to Hullabaloo, Hawk Dance!

ehstern - Kingston-based Emilia’s jewelry begins with silk that she dyes in small batches using a Japanese process called shibori. She cuts the silk into strips, and uses her sewing machine to wrap thread around the strips to create cords, then incorporates beads and other elements to create colorful, casual statement pieces.  Stop by Emilia’s table and welcome her to her first Hullabaloo!

Wishbone Letterpress – Hullabaloo founder and co-organizer Danielle Bliss and her husband Joe Venditti combine an antique process with fresh modern designs and their signature edginess and wit—their awesome letterpress cards, coasters, calendars, and other products are hand-printed on their antique presses in The Shirt Factory in Kingston.  They wholesale to small boutiques and national chains such as Urban Outfitters (have you seen their “rad” cards there?), and their studio in the shirt factory was recently featured on Design*Sponge. They also offer wedding invitations, business cards, and other custom pieces.  Their selection of holiday cards includes both traditional and quirky options, and some everyday cards too! Oh! And coasters for all your holiday entertaining needs!