Help a Minnesota Maker Succeed: HAMMS Event Apr 20th

I'm really looking forward to this Saturday...well, I'm often looking forward to the weekend so nothing new there.  But what's especially look-forward-worthy about this particular Saturday is the one day HAMMS Event.  It's a movement here in St. Paul that's being driven by a group of small business owners (the Minnesota Makers) to create opportunity for and awareness about small businesses here in town.  I'd be shocked if this type of event didn't make its way across the country. 

What: HAMMS Market with a Twist
When:  Apr 20th, from 10AM - 7 PM
Where: Former Hamms Brewery Shipping Docks (top floor),
             713 East Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55106

The gist of it is this:  Open up a marketplace, for one day only, that brings together the people who really are the heart and soul of Minnesota's retail landscape - from people who create food and beverages to products for men, women and even dogs.  A lot of independent "makers" can't afford retail space of their own - so coming together in the old Hamms building in St. Paul is a terrific way for those business owners to collaborate with peers in creating this market with a twist. 

A big part of that twist is that one Minnesota Maker will be awarded up to $5,000 in ticket sales!  I can only imagine what one of these fantastic entrepreneurs could do with $5,000.  I mentioned ticket sales- that's where we, as local consumers, come in.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online ahead of time.   

Those 10 smackers gain you (and your dog, if you have one!) entry to the market and access to all the superb vendors who are setting up shop.  Most Ridic and I will be there at some point, during market hours of 10-7, Tweeting out pictures and Vine videos and just taking it all in.  I'm sure some serious shopping will be done by the two of us, as well.   The list of vendors looks really diverse and very promising.

I hope to see you there...and to make that even more likely, I'm giving away 2 tickets to the event.   Head over to my Facebook page and let me know which vendor you're excited to visit at the HAMMs event.  I'll announce the winner on my FB page on Thursday.