“It was kind of a last minute, simple thing,” Haviland said, “for vendors to sell some of their stock at a discount, like Thirty-One bags, which is selling everything today for seventy percent off.”

Misfit Crafters are a group of vendors like Scentsy, Norwex, Mary Kay, and Color Street Nails that have occasional shows in New Ulm, usually with a theme. They have a sign on both ends of Broadway for their Shop the Lot Vendor Shows. These spring and summer shows bring awareness to different nonprofits.

Haviland has organized other Misfit Crafters shows for over ten years.

“We’ve had the food shelf in the past. Organizations usually set up at the Shop the Lot Shows,” Haviland said. “Last September was suicidal awareness and we hosted a show with 2B Continued.”

A heart jar sold by venders Chris and Danette Baker this weekend.

Chris Baker of Scentsy said, “This show was put together by James so vendors could sell overstock at a discounted price, but I didn’t realize just how much other shows have supported nonprofits.”

Ann Winkler, a vendor for both, Mary Kay and Norwex, is also a regular for the Misfit Crafters. She feels like she’s found a real community.

“We are a tight-knit group, who watch out for each other,” Winkler said.

The Misfit Crafters will hold vendor shows almost every month in 2025. Haviland anticipates having a show called Puppy Love to raise awareness for the local animal shelter.

During the show, Haviland brought his 5-month-old German Shepherd, Freyja, along with him. She patiently sat at Haviland’s feet while he explained the three patches on her camouflage harness.

A variety of room sprays offered by vendors Chris and Danette Baker.

“One is for Operation: 23 to Zero, the other is Mission 22, and of course an American Flag,” Haviland said.

While Freyja is not technically a service dog, Haviland hopes she can help bring awareness to such nonprofit groups. Operation: 23 to Zero and Mission 22 are nonprofit groups that provide support and resources to veterans and their families.

He hopes shelter staff can bring a few cats and dogs to the event, too. Since May is military appreciation month, Haviland will center the May 17th show around that theme.

More information, like show details, can be found at www.misfitcrafters.com.

More information on Operation: 23 to Zero can be found online at https://www.op23tozero.com/ or Mission 22 can be found: https://mission22.com/. Freyja Haviland also has her own Facebook page.

The Misfit’s next visit to the American Legion will be for the Lovin’ Me Craft & Bake Sale from 10 am to 3 pm on Feb. 15.