1. Kristen Olinger, Author

Kristen Olinger is a local author with two published poetry books. She is currently working on another poetry book and an epic fantasy trilogy. She lives in Springfield, IL with her husband, son, and two pups. If you know her, you know she is attached at the hip with her son and inspiration, Gideon.

2. Christine Grisham Acupuncture

Christine Grisham, DACM, L.Ac. is a graduate of the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine, and Certified Massage Therapy program at the Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego. ​She is the author of Food for the Five Seasons: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Fuel Your Health. The book is a short exploration of Chinese medicine and how it looks at each individual in a balanced, holistic way, focusing on each person’s unique needs. Nutrition in Chinese Medicine honors the cycles of nature and uses that wisdom to re-balance the body. Dr. Christine specializes in treating autoimmune and other chronic diseases, depression and anxiety, grief and trauma, addiction, chronic pain, and reproductive health. She is also adjunct faculty at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. She currently practices in Springfield, Illinois and is opening a clinic in Petersburg this fall. Christine can be reached via her website at www.christinegrisham.com or by cell (309) 704-0010.

3. Laura Briggs, Author/Labyrinth Activity Books

A New Berlin resident, Laura Briggs is the award-winning author of five nonfiction books: How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business, Six Figure Freelancer, How to Become a Virtual Assistant, Content is King, and Remote Work for Military Spouses. She's helped hundreds of freelance writers, virtual assistants, graphic designers and is a three-time TEDx speaker. Laura is now launching a coloring book arm of her company for adults and kids!

4. SLM Creations

SLM Creations came to be when Stacie and Shelby were engaged. As two avid crafters and readers, Stacie and Shelby love spending their time doing both. Now as wives, they have decided to share their love with the world.

5. Comic Wreck

Comic Wreck has a huge selection of MANGA (3,000+ individual volumes, many, many Out of Print), at some of the LOWEST prices (starting at $7!) - BRING YOUR WANT LIST! [unfortunately, due to the size and short time of this event, only a Sample group will fit - but we do take orders on FB] We ALSO BUY AND TRADE Manga, so BRING US YOUR OVERSTOCK/DISCARDS and those awkward Christmas gifts – we also have 100's of Prints - TV, Dr. Who, Torchwood, Red Dwarf & Walking Dead: Movies: Comic Art, Anime/Manga, Video Games, Toys... Any [Limited] remaining space will be PACKED with "...things you may have Never seen before, may never see again, and quite frankly, probably Don't want to see now..." But you won't know until you try.... Come see Unca George– he's just like Earth in the revised Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - “Mostly Harmless...” - at the Book Fair on the Square!

6. The Storybath Co.

Are you someone who gets excited about finding new ways to bring literature to life? We are Jacqui and Jamie, two book-obsessed former teachers and homeschool moms who are passionate about just that! We invite you to visit our bookish bath boutique where you can enjoy browsing a curated selection of pre-loved living books and gentle, nourishing bath and body products. At The Storybath Co., we use custom scent combinations and color palates inspired by our favorite books to create unique, artistic bath products that will transform any ordinary bath into a Storybath experience! A good book and an indulgent bath are two things we believe make life a bit slower and more enjoyable, and we set out to grow a business that would combine the two and provide a fun shopping experience for book lovers looking for personal gifts and special, high-quality bath products for themselves and their families. We hope our creations take you back to sweet moments of discovering classic childhood favorites and give families and friends new opportunities to communally foster a love of reading.

7. Olivia J. Bennett, Author

Hey, I'm Olivia J. Bennett, and I'm a writer, artist, educator, and lover of all things cozy and aesthetically pleasing! My debut novel, A Cactus In the Valley, was published when I was a 17-year-old senior in high school. I hold a National Gold Medal in Flash Fiction from Scholastic Art & Writing. I live in Illinois and am a writing and art educator. When not creating, I can be found baking cookies, binge-watching TV with my partner, or cuddling my two cats. Casually Homicidal, an all-new Upper YA contemporary novel from award-winning author Olivia J. Bennett: a road trip sundae with existential crisis whipped cream and a cherry of murder on top! Journey through the Pacific Northwest with aspiring serial killer Hendrix Williams and his none-the-wiser road trip buddy, earnest yet angsty Michelle "Arden" Campell, as they crash in motel rooms, meet fellow travelers both intimidating and heartfelt, and keep secrets from each other that will rip their lives apart.

8. Cheyenne Bluett, Author

Cheyenne Bluett is a special vendor spotlight for us as she is one half of the Wildflower & Rose Bookstore too! Well before the bookstore came about, Cheyenne started her career as an author. Since first publishing in May 2020, Cheyenne has built an impressive career, hitting numerous Amazon Bestselling Lists - most notably for her poetry book, The Sweetest Little Blueberry, which was #1 in Family Poetry for 3 consecutive weeks. The next installment in the "Little Fruits" motherhood poetry series (and her ninth published work!), The Sassiest Little Strawberry, releases next month and is currently available for pre-order. Cheyenne is passionate about helping mothers, women, and anyone that can relate, feel like they aren't alone in their journey. She is a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard, a toddler and expecting mama, and a lover of all things bright and colorful. You can check out her work and place a pre-order at her website (www.cheyennebluett.com) or find all her helpful links here: https://linktr.ee/theecheyennebluett.

9. [vendor unable to attend]

10. Crafty Dreams by Manda

Crafty Dreams by Manda: Where Nostalgia Meets Creativity! At Crafty Dreams by Manda, we breathe new life into beloved childhood books and movies, transforming them into unique journals, sketchbooks, and recipe books. Perfect for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member, our creations are more than just gifts—they’re cherished memories rekindled. I also make and design stickers. Our expressive stickers are perfect for adding a personal touch to your cups, tablets, and phones. Discover the magic of upcycling and let your memories inspire new dreams with Crafty Dreams by Manda!

11. Imagination Creations LLC

Imagination Creations LLC offers custom crafts - vinyl, sublimation tumblers, signs, t-shirts & more! Located out of Springfield, IL, Sara Pena frequents events across the area and showcases work covering interests ranging from sports, tv shows, hobbies, music and more. You can find her on Facebook at Imagination Creations LLC by Sara.

12. The Curator

The Curator is the Midwest’s newest stop for the finest in new and vintage absurdities, oddities, obscurities, and treasures! The shop boasts a wide array of books on the metaphysical and paranormal for those seeking to level up their skills- plus, the fan favorite sticker spinner will be along for the ride!

13. Sarah Dawson Powell, Author

Sarah Dawson Powell is a self-published author of several contemporary novels featuring real-life characters dealing with real-life situations. Her characters will pull at your heartstrings and give you all the feels. Located here in Central Illinois, Sarah has generated an impressive catalogue powered by coffee and a need to get her characters out into the world. Her catalogue of work includes two stand alone novels (The Truth About Gracie and In the Moonbeams) and an in-progress novel series (The Fragile Line Series). You can find all her books on her website (www.sarahdawsonpowell.com) and keep up with her latest news by following her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorsarahdawsonpowell).

14. Short and Stout Designs

Laura and Joe Jasko began Short and Stout Designs from their home-based workshop in Athens, IL in July 2021, laser-engraving handmade designs with love and humor for people with a wide variety of interests and joys. They offer handmade woodcrafts, jewelry, jewelry inspired bookmarks, engraved leather magnetic bookmarks, laser-engraved slate coasters and trays, and a variety of novelty trinkets and home decor items. Their book lovers' slate coaster set is one of their best selling items you'll find at the Book Fair!

15. The Wakery

Whether you're sober, sober-curious, trying to drink less, or you're saving the alcohol for after the book fair, you'll want to visit The Wakery! You won't get stuck with boring simple sodas and bubbly water. The Wakery will be slinging book themed cocktails with non-alcoholic spirits in a drink pouch that will have you feeling all the nostalgia of grabbing a juice pouch as a kid but with all the fancy whimsy of being a grown up this time around! Stop by The Wakery table and make plans to visit their location in downtown Springfield, IL next time you're there.

16. Main & Mulholland

Main & Mulholland offers handmade goods including earrings, bookmarks, stickers, keychains, cups, and more! Based out of Springfield, IL, owner and maker Christina Beedie-Kuhl frequents markets throughout the area with her trendy and fresh designs. If you've been at a recent Wildflower & Rose Bookstore pop up, you may have caught a preview of her bookish goodies as she is a permanent partner with us! And making a grand debut at the Book Fair will be exclusive co-branded bookish earrings!

17. The Box Social

I’m a retired insurance executive who enjoys spending my retirement traveling, fundraising for our local Humane Society, reading and being creative. The Box Social was founded on my love of vintage jewelry and vintage inspired findings. I scour flea markets, antique stores and grandma’s castoffs for pretty pieces and buttons I can repurpose into bookmarks and trinket boxes. The base of the little boxes are antique salt cellars (or salt dips) that used to sit at each place setting on the dining table. The tops are created from buttons, earrings and pins. The boxes can hold rings while you are cleaning, your baby’s first tooth or lock of hair, or a special prayer or mantra. The bookmarks feature vintage earrings, buttons or vintage inspired findings.

18. Small Home Comforts, Inc.

My name is Beth and I am a lover of vintage books, tea time, and small delights that uplift the spirit and celebrate the comforts of home. There's no place I'd rather be than at home, curled up reading a good book. My hope is that Small Home Comforts will be a place to connect readers with comfort books right in their own homes. One of the pleasures of life is to receive a package at your own door, and to know that it's contents bring tangible delights to savor. And that's what our book box is: a quarterly subscription that delivers a delightful reading experience. I can't wait to get our next box into your hands, and warm your homes and your hearts with it's contents. I can't wait to hear from you so we can chat about the characters and places of enchanting books that have delighted and charmed you. I can't wait to welcome you to Small Home Comforts.

No Number

(Annie joined us after programs went to print)

Annie Koehler published her first book this year, "When Grandma Came and We Slept on the Floor". Set in the 1950s in the Midwest, the book tells the story of three children who welcome their grandmother for a visit. They stop by the general store, swim in the creek and go to church together. Koehler wrote the story for her own grandkids. She began writing the book in the 1990s, making her first sketch in 1995. In the last year, she became serious about publishing the book. She is excited to finally see it printed and bound as a gift for her grandkids and other children in the community. She is especially proud of the illustrations, which she did herself, and she hopes the book encourages other people to follow their dreams.