Event has big turnout
By Michael [email protected]
PITTSBURG - The Pittsburg Makers Market had a large turnout during its first-ever event at the Pritchett Pavilion on Saturday, according to the event organizers. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., event goers had a chance to hear local music and shop at 27 different vendor booths. Kara Mishmash, of Pittsburg, said she enjoyed the variety of vendors being brought to Pittsburg. Kara, who "dragged" along her husband, his words, said she enjoys going to makers markets and usually has to travel to Joplin to do so. "I think it is awesome for Pittsburg. This is really good for the first year," she said. "If it keeps growing like the one in Joplin, I won't have any reason to go there." Joplin-based Earth and Eye was one of the vendors. Owner Gracen Van Da Griff heard about the event from The Hip Handmade Market's Facebook page. "I never really come to Pittsburg," she said. "I didn't know there was so much going on here." If there a second annual makers market in Pittsburg, Van Da Griff said she plans to be part of it. The market was the brainchild of two friends - Janelle Cowan and Kelsey Harshman. The two Southeast Kansas natives plan on bringing the event back next year. "I'm happy with it ...; |
We've had a steady flow of people," Harshman said.The 27-year-old now lives in Columbus, Ohio, and travelled just for the event. She plans on being in the Pittsburg area for next year's event. Harshman and Cowan began working in January to bring the makers market to Pittsburg. They used social media to attract vendors and had businesses representing a few states.
Sponsors help paying for permit fees and other start up costs include Every Darling Detail (owned by Cowan and her sister Alicia Van Gotten), Mercy Home Health and Hospice, Mike's Repair and Fabrication, The Looking Glass Salon, Napoli's Italian Restaurant and Everything Sew-Sew. Harshman and Cowan also used their own social media to attract potential shoppers. She said people started lining up an hour early to receive a promotional "swag bag" for the first 25 people. |