PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
VENDOR … The Punny Ginger was among the vendors featured during the Pop-Up Mini Market held Saturday in downtown Swanton.
CUSTOMER … Shoppers speak with a vendor during Saturday’s Pop-Up Mini Market, which brought local makers, artists and curated goods to Main Street in Swanton.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Swanton’s Main Street saw added foot traffic on Saturday, June 20, as The Good Vibe Guild and The Meadow Mercantile hosted a Pop-Up Mini Market featuring local makers, artists and curated vendors.
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 109 and 113 S. Main Street, giving shoppers a chance to browse art, crafts, plants, vintage goods and other handmade items while also visiting the two downtown shops.
Renee Tufts, owner of The Good Vibe Guild, said the idea came from a desire to bring more attention to her shop and neighboring business, The Meadow Mercantile, while also giving local vendors another opportunity to connect with customers.
“In the hopes of getting more eyes on my new shop and my neighbor, The Meadow Mercantile, I put together three mini markets, with handmade and curated goods vendors, to give everybody a little extra shopping experience,” Tufts said.
She explained that many of the vendors taking part in the outdoor market also have items available inside the shop, but the mini market allows them to bring out a fuller line of products and offer shoppers a different experience.
Tufts said the response to the first market was “super good,” with the weather helping create a strong day for the event.
Tufts said being able to host events like the mini market while also operating the shop has been rewarding.
“It’s really the one thing that brings me a lot of joy,” Tufts said. “Everybody just has fun. It’s just a whole grand community.”
Two more mini markets are planned for this summer, with the next events set for July 25 and Aug. 29.
Tufts said the July market is expected to include the Hot Dogs To Go food truck, while the August event is expected to include the Cheat Day food truck.
Tufts encouraged residents to continue supporting local artists and shops, adding that the businesses offer items for holidays, special occasions and everyday shopping.
“Remember that we have something for everybody,” she said. “We rotate things seasonally, so every time you come in, there’s going to be something new.”
