Northwoods Maker’s Market Donates Five Thousand Dollars to United Way

Organizers of the Northwoods Maker’s Market presented a $5,000 check to the United Way of Bemidji Area on November 14, 2025, marking the latest community contribution from the market’s third annual edition. The contribution followed the October 4 market held in the Beltrami Electric Cooperative garage, an event that attracted more than 770 visitors and featured more than 80 vendor booths offering handmade goods and local foods.

The market combined commerce and community fundraising by donating proceeds from admission fees and booth rentals to the United Way. In aggregate, the $5,000 gift represents a meaningful injection to local charitable work, while the event itself served as a sales and marketing platform for small producers and makers from the region. A communications representative from Beltrami Electric Cooperative extended thanks to vendors and attendees for their participation and support of the fundraising effort.

Beyond the headline donation, the market offered family friendly attractions that broadened attendance and dwell time. A Kids Zone included pumpkin painting, games and a scavenger hunt, while a photo booth and food vendors created a festive atmosphere and additional spending opportunities. More than 80 vendor booths provided a concentrated marketplace for craft producers and food entrepreneurs to sell directly to consumers, gather feedback and build repeat customer relationships.

From an economic perspective the event generated both immediate and spillover benefits. Directly, the $5,000 donation equates to roughly $6.50 in donated proceeds per attendee when divided by the reported turnout, and roughly $62.50 per vendor if apportioned across the vendor booths. Those simple ratios illustrate the scale of community support relative to event size, while the vendor exposure and on site sales have potential to increase revenue for small businesses beyond the day of the market.

For Beltrami County residents the market served as more than a one day event. It supported local fundraising, provided affordable family activities, and strengthened local supply chains for artisans and food producers. The third annual designation indicates the market is establishing continuity, which can amplify both charitable contributions and local economic benefits in future years if attendance and vendor participation continue to grow.

Organizers and community partners will likely use the November presentation and the October market results to plan next year’s event, aiming to sustain fundraising momentum and expand economic opportunity for local makers and small businesses.