WOOD RIVER - A special Made By Moms Vendor Fair will provide a space for people to shop mom-owned businesses.
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From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Rustic Roots Event Space in Wood River, Samara Helton with Kory’s Konfections will host the Made By Moms Vendor Fair. This vendor fair features a space for kids to play while their parents browse businesses owned by local women. Helton hopes the event is a fun chance for mothers to connect.
“I participate in a lot of vendor fairs with my baking business, and I realized that it’s not a very kid-friendly space. A lot of the kids get very bored, so I wanted to create a vendor fair that had activities and was really kid-friendly,” Helton explained. “It's cool to have a space where all the moms can be supporting each other.”
Helton shared that she started Kory’s Konfections to “get out of the postpartum depression funk” after her son, Kory, was born. Now, it’s a thriving bakery business and Helton loves participating in local vendor fairs.
But she noticed that most parents were rushed through these fairs by their kids, who were often bored with the shopping experience. She decided to create a kid-friendly vendor fair that aims to satisfy both parents and their children.
There will be a section of the Made By Moms fair totally dedicated to kids. The Pop Up Kids Table is a mom-owned business with certified teachers who provide activities and face-painting for kids. Helton hopes this provides a fun space for the kids to play and learn while their parents shop.
Shoppers can enjoy a cash bar and a variety of vendors, from Helton’s own Kory’s Konfections to health and wellness vendors, artisans and more. All of these businesses are owned by moms.
Helton noted that she has created “a fun little network” with these women through participating in business fairs and connecting over their businesses. She acknowledged that motherhood can be isolating, especially as a young stay-at-home mom herself. She hopes the fair can “help moms find some other moms” to befriend and engage with.
The entire event, planned a week before Mother’s Day, aims to be “a celebration of moms.” Helton emphasized that the moms “don’t discriminate” and are happy to welcome you, “whatever type of mama you are.” Dog moms, plant moms, and more are encouraged to come out, vend, and shop.
“‘Mom’ can mean so many different things to people,” she added. “There’s literally something for every type of mom out there.”
As the vendor fair approaches, Helton encourages people to shop and bring their kids. She hopes the experience is fun for all.
“It’s pretty simple, but it means so much to be able to bring your kids and not have to apologize for them or try and keep them occupied, and you being able to just do something for yourself without feeling guilty about it,” she said. “It’s just going to be a fun experience.”
For more information about the Made By Moms Vendor Fair, visit the official Facebook event page. To learn more about Kory’s Konfections, check out their official website.
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