Loganville has a great new Broad Street Country Market right in the downtown area. Each Saturday through July 7th, the market is open from 8:00 am to Noon at the corner of Broad & Pecan St., across from City Hall.
Are you wondering, “What exactly is a Country Market?” Simply, it is precisely what you would think it is! Growing up in the New England area, I had the opportunity to go to many festivals and fairs that showcased the hard work local folks put in to making quilts, crocheted blankets, wood turned bowls, dried flowers, etc. Even at a young age, I appreciated the beauty of the items I saw but most of all I admired the hard work put into the products. Now, grown with children of my own, I still love to visit festivals and ogle over the items. Last year, I stopped at a street fair up in the Georgia Mountains. My children loved the handmade hacky sacks, bouncing Frisbees and wooden planes. They fell in love with toys that were crafted with care, by the hands of everyday folks creating masterpieces in their homes.
Working with the Autumn Heritage Festival over the past few years helped me discover a massive amount of raw talent right here in our area. We are fortunate to have an award winning Farmer’s Market right down Highway 78 in Snellville, and in the opposite direction Monroe will kick off its first annual Farmer’s Market. We did not want to saturate our area with produce goods. Therefore, the country inspired concept was born. The Event Committee (comprised of Rita Arnold, Linda Dodd, Candy Lowry and Debbie Potter) was anxious to see an assortment of crocheted materials, wood turned items, pottery, handmade jewelry, and labors of love. Each week showcases new vendors who were not set up the week prior. With a flexible schedule available to the vendors, they are able to set their own calendar with the Broad Street Country Market. Also, each weekend brings more vendors out to the area. Working with the City, coordinating various events for the past few years, has afforded me the opportunity to speak with many citizens, many who sought to see a market set up downtown. They have had a clear voice and always happily convey what they feel should come to fruition as far as events in the City.
I encourage everyone to get up a little early on Saturday (and every Saturday through July 7th), grab a cup of coffee and head over to the Broad Street Country Market. There is no better way to shop local, you will be buying directly from your neighbor! Remember each week should bring a new find to you as we plan to continually add vendors throughout the series. Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13th, Father’s Day is June 17th, Graduation season is upon us and birthdays always seem to fall during the summer. Head to the Broad Street Country Market and find just the right unique gift for that someone special. Interested vendors, inquisitive guests and any others can visit the Volunteer Market Manager, Candy Lowry at the Broad Street Country Market or you can get in touch with me, Michelle Lynch at milynch@loganville-ga.gov.
