HipoGear 
I don't recall if it has been discussed but one way to market research is to search ebay. For you it may be a bit of a challenge but I believe it will be worth it.
See what's for sale, what sold and check the "completed" to see what sold and what did't. So in a much larger market place you see what can sell.
I agree with your thoughts on not paying the big entry fee for the craft shows. But you should go to as many craft and trade shows as possible. See what the other vendors are selling. Pay attention to the customers and what they have purchased.
My wife and I used to be in the flea market business and sold used stuff. When we moved to our current location I scouted a local flea market. The market had one main entrance and exit. So after walking around the place looking at the booths I got a coffee and took a seat just outside the main entrance. I sat there for a couple of hours watching what the customers took with them on the way out. My conclusion was this market was a waste of my time. We found great markets in the surrounding communities that made us great money and well worth the extra travel.
73, Mike
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