A Sweet Idea for Festival Merch: Custom Coloring Books That Give Back
When I set out to create a custom coloring book for the Troy Strawberry Festival, I wasn’t just thinking about cute illustrations or clever local flair (though those are definitely in there). I was thinking about connection. How to create event merchandise that families could engage with, take home, and actually use. I wanted it to be meaningful, fun, and community-driven. Something that felt like Troy.
The result? A limited-edition custom coloring book featuring past festival logos and original strawberry-themed designs. With a portion of proceeds benefiting the Troy-Miami County Public Library.
If you’re looking for festival merch ideas that do more than sit on a shelf, here’s why I think custom coloring books are a hidden gem and how you can create one for your own community or event.
Why Custom Coloring Books Make Great Festival Merch
Most event merchandise falls into a few predictable categories: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags. Those can be great, but custom coloring books offer something different. They’re:
Interactive – Kids (and adults) actually use them
Affordable – Low cost to produce, high perceived value
Customizable – Perfect for including logos, landmarks, or themed art
Educational – Great tie-ins for schools, libraries, and family audiences
Memorable – They become keepsakes with a nostalgic feel
For community festivals, especially those centered around family, food, or small-town charm, a coloring book becomes more than merch, it’s a memory in the making.
How to Make a Custom Coloring Book
If you're wondering how to make a custom coloring book for your event or organization, here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Choose a Theme
Base it on the festival’s identity. Logos, mascots, local landmarks, or traditions are all great additions. For the Strawberry Festival, I started with past logo designs and added in some fun window displays from local downtown businesses! This also got them involved!
2. Create the Artwork
You can hand-draw, digitally illustrate, or hire an artist. Keep in mind line-art style (bold black lines, no shading) works best for coloring.
3. Design & Layout
Use software like Adobe InDesign, Canva, or Affinity Publisher to lay out the pages. Include a title page, table of contents (optional), and fun notes or facts to personalize it.
4. Print-on-Demand or Local Printing
I used Amazon KDP for print-on-demand. It’s cost-effective, easy to manage, and lets people re-order online. You can also work with a local printer if you want more control over paper and finish.
5. Distribute It
Sell through festival merch booths, local businesses, or directly. Partnering with the official Troy Chamber of Commerce merchandise booth helped make mine more visible without needing to staff a booth myself.
6. Tie It to a Cause
Consider donating a portion of proceeds to a local nonprofit. This builds goodwill and encourages people to buy not just a product, but a purpose.
A Fresh Take on Community Festival Merch
This year’s Strawberry Festival Coloring Book is just the beginning. I’m already thinking about other festivals nearby because small towns across Ohio (and beyond) have their own stories to tell. And custom coloring books are a sweet, simple way to tell them.
So if you’re part of a festival committee, event planner, or just someone looking for unique merch ideas that people will actually want to take home, consider a coloring book. It’s merch with meaning.
Want help creating a custom coloring book for your festival or event?
Reach out below and let’s make something memorable together.
