8+ Best Craft Fairs in Colorado Springs CO


8+ Best Craft Fairs in Colorado Springs CO

These occasions showcase handmade items from native artisans and craftspeople, providing a various choice of distinctive gadgets akin to pottery, jewellery, textiles, art work, and extra. Consumers can uncover one-of-a-kind presents, dwelling dcor, and private equipment whereas supporting the native artistic neighborhood. These marketplaces usually function reside demonstrations, meals distributors, and leisure, making a vibrant and interesting ambiance.

Such gatherings present essential financial alternatives for artists and makers, permitting them to attach instantly with prospects and construct their companies. In addition they enrich the cultural panorama of a area, fostering a way of neighborhood and celebrating creativity. Traditionally, a lot of these markets have performed a major position in native economies, offering a venue for expert people to promote their wares and preserving conventional crafts. Within the Pikes Peak area, they proceed this custom, providing a novel buying expertise that displays the realm’s inventive spirit.

This exploration will delve into numerous elements of those native occasions, together with upcoming schedules, featured artists, vendor data, and ideas for attendees. It should additionally study the broader affect of those gatherings on the native financial system and the humanities neighborhood.

1. Distinctive Handmade Objects

The presence of distinctive, handmade gadgets varieties the core identification of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs, distinguishing them from mass-produced retail experiences. These things, crafted with particular person ability and artistry, symbolize a tangible connection to the artistic course of. This emphasis on handcrafted items attracts a discerning clientele searching for originality and high quality. As an example, a hand-thrown ceramic bowl possesses an inherent individuality absent in factory-made counterparts. Equally, a hand-woven scarf embodies the weaver’s inventive imaginative and prescient and technical experience, providing a story past its useful objective. This focus instantly influences the perceived worth and enchantment of those occasions.

The provision of one-of-a-kind gadgets fosters a way of discovery and exclusivity for customers. Buying a bit of handcrafted jewellery, a bespoke picket toy, or an unique portray transforms a easy buy into an funding in artistry and craftsmanship. This dynamic contributes to the general financial viability of craft gala’s, permitting artisans to command truthful costs for his or her labor and distinctive creations. Moreover, it cultivates an appreciation for the time, ability, and dedication concerned in handmade manufacturing, counterbalancing the prevalence of mass-produced items in up to date society. The tangible nature of those objects gives a direct hyperlink to the creator, fostering a deeper connection between the artist and the patron.

The emphasis on distinctive, handmade gadgets reinforces the cultural significance of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs. These occasions provide a platform for artists to showcase their abilities, preserving conventional crafts and fostering innovation in up to date inventive expression. The direct interplay between artisans and patrons strengthens the neighborhood bond, fostering a way of shared appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. Whereas challenges akin to on-line marketplaces and financial fluctuations exist, the enduring enchantment of genuine, handcrafted items ensures the continued relevance of those occasions within the cultural panorama.

2. Native Artisan Help

Craft gala’s in Colorado Springs present essential assist for native artisans. These occasions provide a direct-to-consumer platform, circumventing conventional retail buildings and empowering artists to retain a larger share of their gross sales. This direct connection fosters stronger relationships between creators and their patrons, constructing a loyal buyer base and facilitating worthwhile suggestions. The concentrated market atmosphere of a craft truthful exposes artisans to a bigger viewers than they may attain independently, rising model visibility and potential gross sales. As an example, a potter promoting work at a neighborhood craft truthful interacts instantly with potential patrons, explaining strategies and sharing the story behind their creations. This personalised interplay cultivates appreciation for the inventive course of and strengthens the artisan-customer bond, which might translate into sustained assist past the occasion itself.

Moreover, these gala’s provide invaluable networking alternatives throughout the artistic neighborhood. Artisans join with fellow creators, sharing experiences, sources, and collaborative potentialities. This sense of neighborhood fosters a supportive ecosystem the place artists can study from one another and collectively elevate the native arts scene. Participation in craft gala’s usually gives a stepping stone for rising artists, permitting them to realize expertise, check their market, and construct confidence of their craft. For instance, a brand new jewellery maker can acquire worthwhile insights by observing established distributors, studying about pricing methods, show strategies, and buyer engagement. The collaborative spirit nurtured inside these occasions strengthens the general artistic panorama of Colorado Springs.

In conclusion, native artisan assist varieties an integral part of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs. These occasions function important financial engines for particular person artists, contributing to the broader artistic financial system of the area. Whereas challenges akin to competitors and seasonal fluctuations exist, the direct reference to prospects, networking alternatives, and platform for development make craft gala’s an indispensable useful resource for native artisans. The success of those occasions hinges on continued neighborhood engagement and recognition of the worth handcrafted items deliver to the cultural panorama. The assist supplied to native artisans at these gala’s ensures the preservation of conventional crafts, encourages innovation in inventive expression, and strengthens the general vibrancy of the Colorado Springs arts neighborhood.

3. Seasonal Occasions

Seasonality considerably influences the character and choices of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs. The timing of those occasions usually dictates the sorts of items obtainable, reflecting each the artistic inspirations of artisans and the anticipated wants of attendees. Understanding this seasonal connection gives worthwhile context for each distributors and attendees, enriching the general expertise.

  • Vacation Markets

    The prevalence of vacation markets throughout the autumn and winter months transforms craft gala’s into bustling hubs for gift-giving. Artisans showcase seasonal crafts, decorations, and specialty meals gadgets, catering to customers searching for distinctive presents. These markets usually function festive themes and leisure, enhancing the celebratory ambiance. The financial affect of those occasions is substantial, offering artisans with a vital gross sales interval and contributing to the native financial system.

  • Summer season Festivals

    Summer season craft gala’s usually coincide with out of doors festivals and celebrations, capitalizing on nice climate and elevated tourism. The main focus shifts in the direction of lighter crafts, out of doors dcor, and wearable artwork. These occasions usually incorporate reside music, meals distributors, and family-friendly actions, making a vibrant neighborhood gathering. The open-air setting enhances the searching expertise and gives artisans with elevated visibility.

  • Spring Craft Exhibits

    Spring craft gala’s usually emphasize themes of renewal and development, that includes contemporary, vibrant crafts impressed by the season. These occasions showcase floral preparations, backyard artwork, and out of doors residing equipment. The timing aligns with the neighborhood’s anticipation of hotter climate and out of doors actions. Spring craft reveals usually function a platform for rising artists to debut new collections.

  • Specialty Craft Festivals

    All year long, specialised craft gala’s specializing in particular mediums or themes emerge, catering to area of interest pursuits. These occasions may think about pottery, jewellery, fiber arts, or different specialised crafts. This centered strategy attracts a devoted viewers of collectors and lovers, offering artisans with a platform to attach with a focused demographic. These specialty gala’s contribute to the range and richness of the craft truthful panorama in Colorado Springs.

The seasonal nature of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs creates a dynamic and evolving panorama, providing a various vary of experiences all year long. From the festive ambiance of vacation markets to the colourful vitality of summer season festivals, every season brings distinctive choices and alternatives for each artisans and attendees. This cyclical sample ensures a constant platform for native artisans whereas offering the neighborhood with a steady supply of handcrafted items and cultural enrichment.

4. Various Product Vary

The various product vary discovered at craft gala’s in Colorado Springs constitutes a defining attribute, attracting a broad viewers and contributing considerably to the occasions’ success. This selection displays the varied abilities of native artisans and caters to a large spectrum of shopper pursuits, guaranteeing a vibrant market.

  • Visible Arts and Crafts

    Craft gala’s showcase a big selection of visible arts and crafts, together with portray, drawing, sculpture, images, and blended media works. This gives alternatives for artists working in numerous mediums to attach with potential patrons and acquire publicity. A customer may uncover an unique oil portray, a hand-carved picket sculpture, or {a photograph} capturing a neighborhood panorama, reflecting the range of inventive expression current within the area. This vary attracts artwork lovers, collectors, and people searching for distinctive ornamental items for his or her houses.

  • Handmade Jewellery and Equipment

    From delicate beaded necklaces to intricately designed metalwork, the choice of handmade jewellery and equipment at craft gala’s provides customers distinctive, personalised adornments. This section usually consists of handcrafted luggage, scarves, belts, and different wearable artwork. A consumer may discover a one-of-a-kind silver pendant, a hand-woven scarf with a novel sample, or a leather-bound journal, reflecting the range of workmanship and private expression. This attracts people searching for distinctive equipment to enhance their model.

  • House Dcor and Useful Crafts

    Craft gala’s often function artisans specializing in dwelling dcor and useful crafts, starting from handcrafted furnishings and ceramics to textiles and candles. These things add a personalized effect to houses and provide sensible, aesthetically pleasing options for on a regular basis wants. Guests may uncover hand-thrown pottery, woven baskets, hand-poured candles, or handcrafted picket furnishings, enhancing their residing areas with distinctive, useful items. This attracts people searching for handcrafted gadgets to personalize their houses and assist native artisans.

  • Specialty Meals and Drinks

    Many craft gala’s incorporate native meals and beverage distributors, providing attendees a style of regional specialties and artisanal merchandise. This usually consists of do-it-yourself jams, baked items, honey, and domestically roasted espresso. These choices present a culinary aspect to the craft truthful expertise, attracting meals lovers and supporting native meals producers. Guests can pattern and buy distinctive meals gadgets, enhancing their craft truthful expertise and offering a style of native flavors.

This various product vary reinforces the enchantment of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs, reworking them into dynamic marketplaces the place various pursuits converge. The good selection caters to a broad demographic, guaranteeing continued engagement and contributing to the financial viability of those occasions. By providing a various vary of handcrafted items, craft gala’s foster a vibrant cultural alternate, supporting native artists and offering the neighborhood with entry to distinctive, high-quality merchandise.

5. Group Engagement

Group engagement varieties a cornerstone of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs, enriching the expertise for each attendees and distributors whereas contributing to the general vitality of the area. These occasions function vital neighborhood gathering locations, fostering social connections and selling a way of shared appreciation for native artistry and craftsmanship. The interactive nature of craft gala’s facilitates direct dialogue between artisans and the general public, creating alternatives for training and cultural alternate. A potter demonstrating their craft, for instance, can share insights into their artistic course of, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for handmade items. This direct interplay strengthens neighborhood bonds and promotes a way of shared cultural identification.

Moreover, craft gala’s usually function platforms for native organizations and non-profits to attach with the neighborhood. These occasions present alternatives for fundraising, consciousness campaigns, and volunteer recruitment, amplifying the optimistic social affect. A neighborhood environmental group, as an illustration, may host a sales space at a craft truthful to coach attendees about sustainable practices and recruit volunteers for upcoming initiatives. This integration of neighborhood organizations strengthens the social material and reinforces the position of craft gala’s as hubs for civic engagement. The financial advantages generated by these occasions additionally lengthen to the broader neighborhood, supporting native companies and contributing to the general financial well being of the area.

In conclusion, neighborhood engagement represents a vital dimension of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs. These occasions lengthen past mere marketplaces, functioning as important neighborhood hubs that foster social interplay, promote native expertise, and supply alternatives for civic participation. Whereas challenges akin to logistical coordination and guaranteeing accessibility for all neighborhood members exist, the inherent community-building potential of craft gala’s stays a major asset. Cultivating robust neighborhood engagement ensures the long-term sustainability and optimistic affect of those occasions, enriching the cultural panorama of Colorado Springs and strengthening the bonds that join its residents.

6. Venue Areas

Venue choice performs a essential position within the success of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs. The chosen location influences accessibility for each distributors and attendees, impacting attendance charges and general occasion viability. Acceptable venues present satisfactory house for vendor cubicles, snug searching experiences for attendees, and obligatory facilities. The next sides spotlight key issues concerning venue places for these occasions.

  • Accessibility and Parking

    Quick access and ample parking are essential for attracting attendees. Venues positioned close to main transportation routes with ample parking amenities maximize comfort and encourage attendance. Conversely, venues with restricted parking or advanced entry can deter potential guests. A well-situated venue with handy entry contributes considerably to a craft truthful’s success. For instance, a centrally positioned venue with ample parking is extra more likely to entice a bigger viewers than one located in a distant space with restricted parking choices. This consideration instantly impacts foot visitors and vendor visibility.

  • Indoor vs. Out of doors Areas

    The selection between indoor and out of doors venues is determined by the time of 12 months and the character of the craft truthful. Indoor venues provide safety from inclement climate and local weather management, guaranteeing a snug expertise year-round. Out of doors venues present a extra expansive setting and capitalize on favorable climate circumstances, making a festive ambiance. Nonetheless, out of doors occasions are vulnerable to weather-related disruptions. A summer season craft truthful may thrive in a park setting, whereas a winter vacation market advantages from the managed atmosphere of a conference middle. The venue alternative instantly influences the ambiance and feasibility of the occasion.

  • House and Structure

    The venue’s measurement and format considerably affect vendor placement and attendee stream. Adequate house ensures snug searching, whereas a well-designed format maximizes vendor visibility and encourages exploration. Cramped or poorly designed layouts can create a congested and ugly expertise, doubtlessly deterring future attendance. A spacious venue with a logical format facilitates a optimistic expertise for each distributors and attendees. A well-organized house permits for distinct sections devoted to particular craft classes, enhancing searching effectivity and customer engagement. This instantly impacts gross sales potential and general satisfaction.

  • Facilities and Amenities

    Important facilities akin to restrooms, meals and beverage choices, and seating areas improve attendee consolation and encourage longer visits. The provision of those amenities contributes to the general optimistic expertise, encouraging repeat attendance. A venue missing important facilities can create inconvenience and negatively affect attendee satisfaction. For instance, offering accessible restrooms, designated consuming areas, and ample seating encourages guests to spend extra time on the occasion, rising their publicity to distributors and fostering a way of neighborhood. These elements contribute considerably to the general success of the craft truthful.

Strategic venue choice instantly impacts the visibility, accessibility, and general success of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs. Cautious consideration of things akin to parking, indoor/out of doors suitability, house format, and obtainable facilities ensures a optimistic expertise for each distributors and attendees. Selecting an acceptable venue contributes to the long-term viability and optimistic affect of those occasions throughout the neighborhood.

7. Financial Affect

Craft gala’s in Colorado Springs generate a major financial affect, extending past the quick transactions between artisans and prospects. This affect ripples by the native financial system, affecting numerous sectors and contributing to the general monetary well-being of the area. Understanding these financial results gives worthwhile insights into the broader significance of those occasions.

  • Direct Gross sales Income

    Craft gala’s present a main income stream for native artisans, enabling them to earn a residing from their artistic pursuits. The direct gross sales generated at these occasions contribute on to the native financial system, supporting small companies and fostering entrepreneurial development. For instance, a potter promoting their wares at a craft truthful instantly advantages from the gross sales income, reinvesting these earnings in supplies, studio house, and different business-related bills. This direct financial profit varieties the muse of the craft truthful’s financial affect.

  • Tourism and Hospitality

    Bigger craft gala’s usually entice guests from outdoors the quick space, boosting tourism and supporting associated industries akin to hospitality and transportation. Guests attending these occasions might keep in native accommodations, dine at native eating places, and make the most of native transportation providers, producing income for these companies. This inflow of tourists stimulates financial exercise past the confines of the craft truthful itself, contributing to the general financial well being of the area. For instance, a well-attended craft truthful throughout peak vacationer season can generate vital income for native accommodations and eating places, demonstrating the ripple impact of those occasions.

  • Job Creation and Employment

    The craft truthful ecosystem helps a community of jobs, each instantly and not directly. Artisans usually make use of assistants or apprentices, creating employment alternatives inside their very own companies. Moreover, the elevated demand for items and providers associated to craft gala’s, akin to occasion planning, setup, and catering, generates employment alternatives in associated sectors. This job creation contributes to the general financial stability of the neighborhood, offering livelihoods and stimulating financial development. For instance, a catering firm employed to supply meals providers at a craft truthful advantages from the elevated demand for his or her providers, creating employment alternatives inside their group. This illustrates the oblique job creation potential of craft gala’s.

  • Tax Income and Authorities Help

    Gross sales taxes collected from transactions at craft gala’s contribute to native authorities income, supporting public providers and infrastructure improvement. This income stream can be utilized to fund important neighborhood providers akin to training, public security, and infrastructure enhancements. This reinforces the position of craft gala’s as contributors to the general fiscal well being of the neighborhood, benefiting residents and supporting public initiatives. For instance, gross sales tax income generated from craft gala’s can contribute to funding native parks and recreation packages, demonstrating the tangible advantages for the neighborhood.

The financial affect of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs extends past the person artisans, influencing the broader financial panorama of the area. From direct gross sales income and tourism to job creation and tax income, these occasions play a major position in supporting native companies, creating employment alternatives, and contributing to the general financial vitality of the neighborhood. Understanding these financial contributions underscores the significance of supporting and selling craft gala’s as worthwhile belongings throughout the Colorado Springs financial system.

8. Cultural Expertise

Craft gala’s in Colorado Springs provide a wealthy cultural expertise, extending past the easy acquisition of products. These occasions present a novel lens into the native arts scene, showcasing the varied artistic abilities throughout the neighborhood and fostering a deeper appreciation for handcrafted gadgets. They function dynamic cultural hubs, connecting artists and patrons in a shared celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.

  • Preservation of Conventional Crafts

    Craft gala’s play a vital position in preserving conventional crafts, offering a platform for artisans expert in time-honored strategies to showcase and transmit their data. A woodworker demonstrating conventional joinery strategies, for instance, or a weaver showcasing intricate loom work, provides attendees a glimpse into the wealthy historical past of workmanship. This preservation of conventional arts ensures their continued relevance in up to date society, enriching the cultural heritage of the area.

  • Showcase of Up to date Creative Expression

    Alongside conventional crafts, craft gala’s additionally showcase up to date inventive expression, offering a platform for rising artists and revolutionary strategies. A ceramic artist experimenting with new glazing strategies, a jewellery maker incorporating unconventional supplies, or a painter exploring trendy summary types, demonstrates the evolving nature of creativity throughout the neighborhood. This fusion of conventional and up to date inventive expression contributes to the dynamic and evolving cultural panorama.

  • Interactive Engagement with Artists

    The direct interplay between artists and attendees distinguishes the cultural expertise of craft gala’s from conventional retail environments. Attendees can have interaction in conversations with artists, studying about their artistic processes, inspirations, and the tales behind their creations. This direct engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship concerned, reworking a easy buy right into a significant cultural alternate. This personalised interplay enhances the cultural worth of the occasion, fostering a way of connection between the artist and the neighborhood.

  • Reflection of Native Tradition and Identification

    Craft gala’s replicate the distinctive cultural identification of Colorado Springs, showcasing the inventive spirit and artistic abilities particular to the area. The showcased crafts usually incorporate native supplies, themes, and inspirations, offering a tangible illustration of the native tradition. For instance, a jewellery maker utilizing domestically sourced stones or a painter depicting regional landscapes connects their artwork to the precise identification of the place. This reflection of native tradition enhances the sense of neighborhood and gives guests with a novel cultural expertise.

In conclusion, craft gala’s in Colorado Springs present a multifaceted cultural expertise, encompassing the preservation of conventional crafts, the showcase of up to date inventive expression, interactive engagement with artists, and a mirrored image of native tradition. These occasions contribute considerably to the cultural richness of the area, fostering neighborhood engagement and selling a deeper appreciation for the humanities. They function important cultural touchstones, connecting people with the artistic spirit of Colorado Springs and enriching the general neighborhood expertise.

Continuously Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning craft gala’s in Colorado Springs, offering readability and useful data for potential attendees and distributors.

Query 1: How often are craft gala’s held in Colorado Springs?

The frequency of craft gala’s varies all year long, with the next focus throughout peak seasons akin to spring, summer season, and the vacation interval. Quite a few occasions happen year-round, providing a constant presence throughout the neighborhood.

Query 2: The place can data concerning upcoming craft gala’s be discovered?

Info concerning upcoming occasions could be discovered by native occasion listings, neighborhood calendars, social media teams devoted to native arts and crafts, and web sites specializing in craft truthful directories.

Query 3: What’s the typical worth vary for items offered at these occasions?

Costs differ relying on the kind of craft, the supplies used, and the artist’s pricing construction. One can look forward to finding gadgets starting from reasonably priced, smaller crafts to higher-priced, intricate items of artwork. This vary ensures accessibility for a various vary of budgets.

Query 4: Are fee strategies sometimes money solely, or are different choices obtainable?

Whereas some distributors might desire money, many now settle for credit score and debit playing cards, and a few might even make the most of cell fee programs. It’s advisable to test with particular person distributors concerning their most well-liked fee strategies.

Query 5: Are craft gala’s in Colorado Springs accessible to people with disabilities?

Most craft gala’s try to keep up accessibility for people with disabilities. Nonetheless, particular accessibility options might differ relying on the venue. It is strongly recommended to contact occasion organizers upfront to inquire about particular accessibility lodging.

Query 6: How can one turn into a vendor at a craft truthful in Colorado Springs?

Changing into a vendor sometimes includes contacting occasion organizers instantly, finishing an utility course of, and infrequently paying a vendor charge. Particular necessities might differ relying on the occasion and the organizers. Info concerning vendor functions can often be discovered on occasion web sites or by contacting occasion organizers instantly.

This FAQ part gives a basic overview of widespread inquiries. Consulting particular occasion web sites or contacting organizers instantly is really helpful for detailed data concerning particular person occasions.

Additional exploration of particular elements of craft gala’s in Colorado Springs follows in subsequent sections.

Ideas for Attending and Having fun with Craft Festivals in Colorado Springs

Attendees can maximize their expertise and assist native artisans by contemplating the next ideas. These solutions intention to reinforce customer enjoyment and contribute to the general success of those neighborhood occasions.

Tip 1: Plan Forward: Consulting occasion schedules and venue places upfront permits for environment friendly navigation and ensures attendees can prioritize desired distributors or actions. Checking for particular occasion themes or featured artists helps tailor the expertise to particular person pursuits.

Tip 2: Arrive Early: Arriving early, particularly for common occasions, secures advantageous parking and permits ample time to browse earlier than crowds peak. This additionally gives alternatives to work together with artisans earlier than they turn into busy with different prospects.

Tip 3: Convey Money: Whereas many distributors settle for different fee strategies, having money readily available streamlines transactions and ensures attendees should buy from distributors who might not settle for playing cards. This additionally facilitates fast purchases of smaller gadgets or impulse buys.

Tip 4: Put on Comfy Sneakers: Craft gala’s usually contain intensive strolling, each throughout the venue and doubtlessly inside surrounding areas. Comfy footwear ensures attendees can comfortably discover the occasion with out fatigue.

Tip 5: Interact with Artisans: Conversations with artisans present insights into their artistic processes and the tales behind their crafts. This interplay enhances appreciation for the handmade gadgets and fosters a private connection between the artist and the patron.

Tip 6: Take into account the Climate: Checking climate forecasts and dressing accordingly ensures a snug expertise, notably for out of doors occasions. Bringing umbrellas or acceptable outerwear mitigates potential weather-related disruptions.

Tip 7: Help Native Companies: Patronizing meals distributors and different native companies related to the craft truthful contributes to the general financial affect of the occasion and helps the area people.

Implementing these methods enhances the general craft truthful expertise, selling enjoyment, supporting native artists, and contributing to the colourful cultural panorama of Colorado Springs.

The concluding part will summarize the important thing advantages of attending craft gala’s and reiterate their significance throughout the neighborhood.

Craft Festivals Colorado Springs

Craft gala’s in Colorado Springs symbolize a major cultural and financial power throughout the neighborhood. These occasions provide a novel platform for native artisans to showcase their abilities, join instantly with prospects, and contribute to the area’s artistic financial system. From the varied vary of handcrafted items to the colourful ambiance of neighborhood engagement, these gatherings provide a particular expertise that units them other than typical retail environments. The exploration of venue places, seasonal influences, and the financial affect underscores the multifaceted nature of craft gala’s and their essential position in supporting native artisans. Emphasis on the cultural expertise highlights the significance of those occasions in preserving conventional crafts, fostering up to date inventive expression, and reflecting the distinctive cultural identification of the Pikes Peak area.

Craft gala’s contribute considerably to the vibrancy and financial well-being of Colorado Springs. Continued assist for these occasions ensures the continued success of native artisans, strengthens neighborhood bonds, and preserves the wealthy inventive heritage of the area. By attending and interesting with these occasions, residents and guests alike spend money on the artistic spirit of Colorado Springs, fostering a thriving cultural panorama and contributing to the general financial well being of the neighborhood.