The Evans Market kicked off for another season at a brand new location on Saturday, April 20, and invited hundreds of locals to gather outside the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.
Held at a new 16,000 square foot facility that features a manicured, green lawn and pavilion, located at 1000 Market St., the market’s venue will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“This is the largest market we’ve had so far, and we’re super excited to have our new market pavilion,” said Janet Wheatley, the program and events manager for Columbia County’s Parks, Recreation and Events committee. “It definitely has added something to the downtown Evans area.”
For three years, the Evans Market has given locals the opportunity to purchase a variety of goods, and is now becoming even more family-friendly with lawn games and toys.
“It’s just a day for people to come out, especially for families who are looking for something to do,” Wheatley said. “Kids are out here playing in the field with their parents, and it’s just a fun community event that everyone can take part in.”
As the sun shone, shoppers gathered at the market to enjoy culinary delights, handcrafted items and other unique products, while vendors happily socialized with new customers.
“We have a lot of new vendors here this year, and that should continue the entire market season,” Wheatley said. “
From clothing to locally made honey, visitors had an array of vendors to choose from, including delicious, hot food, sweet treats and refreshing coffee, teas and margaritas.
Participating vendor Shawn Odom, owner of Haute Boutique, said she loved the market because it gave small business owners a chance to develop personal relationships with customers.
“[Vendors] like to give our community what they want, so it’s important for us to be in tune with them and know about their needs,” Odom said. “Just knowing that we’re all in this together also makes our community even better.”
As a local, Odom said she feels that Columbia County always takes great care to uplift the community and its economy.
“We really appreciate Columbia County thinking about small businesses and what they can do to help us,” she said. “They’re really good about reaching out to us and making sure they are supporting us.”
Fellow regular vendor Pete Michenfelder, owner of Pete’s Plants, said he believes the market introduces attendees to new businesses, in addition to promoting quality products.
“I love it … it’s well laid out and the crowd has been huge all day. It’s a great thing,” he said. “It’s important that we don’t buy everything online through Amazon. You look around here and a lot of these people are kind of backyard businesses.”
Selling a multitude of beautiful and functional greenery, such as air filtering ferns, Michenfelder’s business actively educates people on groundbreaking NASA research that encourages indoor plants, which can actively improve homeowners’ air quality.
“[The market] is great for a lot of people, because I think generally speaking you’re going to get excellent quality by buying local,” Michenfelder said. “That’s primarily because there’s instant recognition on whether or not your product is good or bad.”
To Michenfelder, a poorly made item bought online is a hassle to return or exchange, but the market easily cuts out many inconveniences of mailing and shipping.
“Out here you can touch everything and also bring it home that same day,” he said.
First time attendee Hayley Parascandola, who was happily accompanied by her dog, said she was thrilled to explore the large market and meet dozens of vendors.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “There’s shade and great places to eat … it’s just great how many kinds of different vendors there are. There really is something for everyone.”
Parascandola also said she loved the venue’s big lawn, as it was a great space for children and dogs to play.
“In general, I think it’s good to give back to the people who care so much to participate in this market,” she said. “These people really dedicate their time for the community.”
Mother and enthusiastic shopper Angie Stanley said her favorite aspect of the market had to be the flavorful beverages and the open lawn that provided entertaining distractions for children.
“It’s new and we just love this kind of stuff. They did a really great job with this,” she said. “I’m hoping they’ll have more fun events out here.”
For those who have not yet explored the market, Stanley said she would encourage everyone to attend it at least once and experience Evans’ welcoming community.
In the future, Wheatley said she is looking forward to the market’s continual growth and possible expansion.
The market will continue until mid-June and return again for the fall season in September.
For vendors looking to be apart of the Evans Market, visit: https://bit.ly/EvansMarketVendorApplication2024
