Kelsey McIlonie brought a table full of 3-D printed sensory fidgets to the Poway Fall Festival on Oct. 4. Cherise Jacobs lined hers with rhinestone-studded denim jackets. The Higgins family stacked mystery books and handmade bookmarks.
All three were among the small-batch vendors who filled booths along Midland Road at the annual free event hosted by the Poway Chamber of Commerce. The festival ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Poway Road and Hilleary Place, drawing visitors with food trucks, kids' activities, live music, a classic car show and a beer and wine garden, according to the Chamber's event page.
Julie Gallant of the San Diego Union-Tribune profiled several of the homegrown businesses that set up shop at the fair.
McIlonie, owner of Kmacs Urban Treasures, sold 3-D printed fidgets designed for people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other special needs. Her products included foldable cubes and keychains that click like a keyboard.
"They all have a different tactile sensory function," McIlonie told the Union-Tribune.
Jacobs, owner of Shimmer By Cherise, displayed handmade embellished denim jackets, vests and boots decorated with rhinestones. Her booth also featured purses, ink pens, sunglasses and dog-walking whistles covered in bling.
Other vendors brought their own specialties. Makiko Prewitt and Kiiro Niiya of Little Flower sold hand-crocheted items. Leah, Vee and Laurie Higgins of Oddities By 3E offered mystery books, journals, bookmarks, book bags, stickers and pens.
On the food side, Golden Whisk Bakery sold chocolate chip, M&M and banana pudding cookies alongside focaccia and banana breads. Zack Silva staffed the Down to Ferment booth, where visitors could pick up hot sauces and seasonings.
The Poway Chamber of Commerce's next community events include a nonprofit meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Poway Library meeting room, 13137 Poway Road. Non-member guests may attend their first event free. The Chamber is also co-hosting a Trunk or Treat event at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, starting at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24.
