Emporia saw its annual Great American Market take over Commercial Street on Saturday with a diverse offering of vendors. Routinely taking place on the second Saturday of September, freeze-dried candies, wood-fired pizza, T-shirts, handheld games and snowcones were only a few of many items to browse at the market this year.
An aspect of the market this year different from years past was the substantial space it took up. The vendor list had been full for months leading up to the event, and the market has never hosted so many sellers.
”This is definitely the largest market that we’ve ever had,” said Jess Buchholz, community development coordinator at Emporia Main Street. “We’ve never opened up, like, the side streets for vendors, and we are going to give that a try, and we might possibly open up additional spaces next year.”
Buchholz believes that the Great American Market contributes significantly to Emporia families and businesses.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to get out and just enjoy the day outside,” said Buchholz. “You can support a lot of local businesses. It’s a great time to explore. It’s a great family event. We have people that come from across the state, and even further, just to come to this event.”
Vendors in attendance seem to concur with the market’s influence on local business.
“It’s a great show,” said Tammy Cook, who sells dog-themed T-shirts for Barks and Blessings. “The people are great, I get to talk to lots of people who love their dogs like I do. It’s been a great show so far.”
Tristan Burns of Freeze Burns Candy shared Cook’s sentiments.
“I sold out last year, and I’m hoping to do the same this year,” Burns said. “This is a great event.”
