Community members gathered this weekend for another successful market event in Mount Vernon, where vendors, shoppers, and organizers celebrated the continued growth of local businesses and community involvement.
Organizers said the purpose behind the recurring market events is about much more than shopping. For many involved, it represents an opportunity to strengthen local connections and encourage residents to invest back into their own community.
“I think the purpose behind the event is to bring the community together and help bring up a dying breed of people who like to shop and support local rather than going to bigger box stores,” shared Courtney Bean. “It’s a time to build a foundation for the community and set it apart from surrounding communities. It’s just a big family.”
The event featured a variety of local vendors offering handmade goods, homegrown products, and specialty foods. Among them was Ursula Handy, representing Barbara’s Taste of Home, which is part of P3W Farm and Ranch in Naples, Texas.
Handy said their booth regularly brings products such as honey, jams and jellies, pickles, aprons, herbal refresher teas, and homemade coffee to the market.
“The biggest thing that we want to see is growth and community involvement,” Handy explained. “Last year we did really well with the market, and just off this event alone, I can tell the number of vendors and the number of customers that have come through has grown quite a bit.”
Vendors also credited social media for helping increase awareness and attendance at the events.
“I think social media is doing a really good job at bringing attention to the community and helping people come together and support one another,” Bean said.
Throughout the day, families explored vendor booths while children enjoyed nearby activities, creating an atmosphere organizers described as intentionally family-focused.
“It’s family based, so just come out and get involved with your community and see what we offer,” Handy encouraged.
Organizers explained that the larger vendor markets are scheduled every third Saturday from May through September and are designed to welcome small businesses from across the region. Those larger events are held at the park near the splash pad, giving families a place to gather while children play safely nearby.
“The third Saturday market is always going to be at the park by the splash pad,” organizers explained. “That way parents can come out, do their shopping, while their kids are safe at the splash pad and enjoy their day as well.”
In addition to the monthly vendor events, local farmers and homemakers also gather weekly on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon on the downtown square to offer locally grown produce, honey, and homemade goods.
Organizers say the continued growth of both the weekly and monthly markets reflects a strong desire among residents to support local businesses and strengthen community ties close to home.
