By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

BIRMINGHAM— After more than 15 years of participating in artisan shows, two Calera residents decided it was time to host one of their own at the BJCC.

The two ladies, Barbara Gray and Cheryl Leuschner, are bringing together all types of vendors to create the Southern Bazaar Spring Market 2016 April 30-May 1.

“We’ve both done shows for over 15 years separately,” Gray said. “We did one together two weeks ago, and we thought about doing more together. Then we thought about just doing our own show.”

After some brainstorming, the duo joined forces to organize the two-day shopping event, which will feature artisans, boutiques, informational vendors and demonstrations.

The bazaar will consist of a 20,000-square-foot space with more than 100 booths of different sizes. Gray said vendors could choose from 5-foot-by-10-foot booths or 10-foot-by-10-foot booths for either one or both days.

The event will be free to get in, but attendees can purchase $5 armbands for possible discounts with the vendors. Gray said armband purchasers will also receive a free shopping bag, along with the first 200 attendees.

Gray said the vendors have also been asked to donate an item to be used as door prizes for the event.

“I want everyone to be happy to where we can do this again in the fall,” Gray said. “Our goal is to do it three times a year. This is not something we are just going to do once and be done. We want to have as much success as possible to where we can do it again.”

Many people have already signed up, and Gray said many others have expressed interest in participating in the event.

Working as a team has been seamless, according to Gray. She explained that she and Leuschner have like minds, which gives them the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and brainstorm constantly.

“We have very like minds,” she said. “We are both artists, we both have our stuff in Harper Lane (and) we are both looking for new ways to sell our wares.”

Southern Bazaar Spring Market 2016 will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1. For more information or vending information, contact southernbazaar1@gmail.com.