Farm Chicks Vintage and Handmade Fair celebrates the big 2-0 with party theme

In a way, the Farm Chicks Vintage and Handmade Fair is like the little event that could.

The fair began in 2002 and featured vintage and handmade goods from founder Serena Thompson and her friends.

That inaugural sale was held in Thompson’s neighbor’s barn.

But over time, through a lot of word of mouth, the fair began to grow.

And grow.

And grow.

The Farm Chicks Vintage and Handmade Fair now brings nearly 300 vendors and thousands of people to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center the first full weekend in June.

The 2018 fair will be held Saturday and Sunday.

When selecting which vendors will appear at the fair, Thompson looks for, as the fair’s title suggests, a mix of vintage and handmade items.

“Honestly it started with ‘What would I want to see if I went to my dream event?’ ” Thompson said.

She tries to find sellers who either don’t usually sell around Spokane or, if they are local, have goods saved specifically for Farm Chicks.

“I really like looking for things that are really unique,” she said. “People can have such crazy, different styles and I love to look for people that definitely have their own voice… It’s really, really inspiring actually to see.”

Based on photos from Farm Chick fairs past, attendees can expect lots of furniture made with reclaimed wood, vintage decor pieces, milk glass and more. A goldmine for fans of “Fixer Upper,” in other words.

Thompson bases each fair, from the promotional poster to how the fair is decorated, around a theme, and this year is no different.

To celebrate the milestone of 20 Farm Chicks fairs (they used to be held twice a year), Thompson has given the 2018 fair a party theme and invites attendees to wear their best party attire.

“People are really embracing that whole theme so I think it will be really cute and festive,” she said.

And from the looks of it, Thompson can expect another 20 Farm Chicks at least, as the clientele has gotten younger and younger over the years.

“It appeals to everything from grandma now down to high school and even middle school and grade school,” Thompson said. “It has this really amazing energy about it and it’s really been a snowball effect.”