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Monmouth County highlights 300+ local vendors at "Made in Monmouth" fair
Summary
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnault welcomed more than 300 vendors to Made in Monmouth at Collins Arena, spotlighting local entrepreneurs from napkin inventor Joanne Shippers to craft makers and specialty food producers. Vendors credited the county event with driving foot traffic and affordable exposure.
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnault opened Made in Monmouth at Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College, saying the county’s annual vendor fair drew more than 300 businesses — the largest turnout since the event began 11 years ago. "We're the only county that does this," Arnault said, and he thanked county staff and Brookdale for supporting the show.
The event centered on vendor demonstrations and small-business booths. Joanne Shippers introduced herself as "the inventor and owner of Glampkin, the glamorous napkin company," showing a double-sided, weighted protective napkin she said is available in styles for men, brides and nursing parents and that the restaurant version is made of commercial Milliken fabric and is triple-weighted. "This product can be licensed," Shippers said, and she described restaurant branding and washable fabric options.
Attendees and returning vendors said the event offers affordable exposure. An attendee introduced as Rachel said she has attended "maybe 9 or 10 times" and called Made in Monmouth "the most well organized show" she’s seen, praising the logistics and the opportunity to present products to a steady crowd. Vendor Curtis described hard cider and honey-wine products made from fresh-pressed apples and said the show brought steady traffic; Finnegan, owner of Finnegan's Turning Company, displayed turned bowls and jewelry made from high-grade scraps and described his business as newly opened this year.
Tom Arnault also highlighted Emmanuel's Place, introduced by cofounder Justin Nicola, who said the program supports adults with special needs through day programming and product-making and is based in Farmingdale at Crosspoint Church. Nicola said he and family members run the enterprise and that the fair has been an important outlet for sales and visibility.
County officials framed the fair as an economic-development tool: Arnault urged vendors to contact the county for support and said the commissioners intend to continue hosting the event as long as there is interest. The event’s organizers emphasized it is intended to drive customers to local entrepreneurs while keeping participation affordable for small vendors.
The fair ran at Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College and featured a mix of crafts, food-and-beverage producers and social-enterprise tables; commissioners noted the event’s 11-year history and called the current turnout the largest to date. The county did not announce any new funding or policy changes during the event.
