When senior Elinor Soult pitched the idea of a holiday fair, Bryan Station High School and community supporters went all in. The inaugural Winter Market featured over 70 vendors, including a dozen student vendors, along with food trucks and live music from the BSHS jazz ensembles and StationARTS band majors.

“This is a collaboration of arts, music, marketing, and entrepreneurship that we are very proud of, and it showcases the very best of Bryan Station,” said Michael Payne, band director. 

Elinor, an assistant drum major, has participated in these types of fairs for a couple of years touting her business, Caladium Crochet. She thought a school-based event could be an effective fundraiser for the band’s booster club. It would also enable fellow students to showcase their products and services. “It’s an opportunity to see if you like it and if your stuff will sell,” as Elinor said.

Elinor’s band crew partnered with business teacher Jeanne Devers to start planning the Winter Market back in August. The idea was well-received, as evidenced by the waiting list of local vendors eager to participate.

On Sunday, shoppers enjoyed live holiday music as they browsed the school’s foyer, main hallways, and cafeteria looking for unusual and unique gifts. In the student area, they saw everything from French braids with tinsel and custom clothing to authentic cultural foods and balloon animals.

Devers, who is also club advisor for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), said the student vendors got some real-world experience in including having to do inventory, watch their costs, and aim for a viable profit margin. “It’s a great pop-up shop for them to learn how to run their own business,” she said.