IN THE MARKET

Eastlake’s outdoor market returns, now in lot at Classic Park

Eastlake’s weekly outdoor market has returned to the delight of many residents.

People flooded the parking lot of Classic Park June 24 to enjoy all the festivities.

The market’s return was announced June 10.

The event is expected to run from 3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday until the end of the summer.

Along with the shopping, residents

got to have food catered by Pork In The Road, a local food truck and catering company.

Food trucks have also become somewhat of a staple at the outdoor market, and residents look forward to trying new and exciting dishes from local businesses every week.

There was even live entertainment from Willoughby resident Collin Arkenburg.

At the June 24 event, vendors packed the stadium parking lot to not only engage with their community but hopefully to spark some business as well. WataTees owner Thomas Karpy spoke about how exciting it was to see people support the city and local businesses.

“I’ve been printing T-shirts for the last 10 years or so,” Karpy said.

“Usually, this is the season for all the festivals, but they closed down on us. Amazingly, the farmer’s market is still up and running.

“I started at the Eastlake farmer’s market last year, they had it at a

different location, but this one at the Captains stadium is great visibility and what I was hoping for,” he continued.

Pink Zebra consultant Juntyna Goodrum spoke about how important it is for small businesses to have events like this.

“It’s so nice to interact with the community again,” she said.

According to Judy Moran, administrative assistant in the mayor’s office, the ultimate goal of the market is to bring more visibility.

Moran, who developed the idea for the market, added that this is just one of the ways to help local businesses get back on their feet, especially as restrictions begin to ease amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Dennis Morley reaffirmed the goal of increasing the local business presence as well at the farmers market.

“We’re hoping it grows and hoping it does well there,” Morley said.

Morley and Moran highlighted that community members leaving work could help bring in foot traffic, as people may stop by and explore the market.

So far, vendors for Eastlake’s market include: Don Anna Farms, Tidwell’s Gardens, Pink Zebra, Button Biz, Tupperware, Well Preserved, Spoiled Dog Boss, Froggy Creations, ThirtyOne, WataTees, Pap’s Kettle Corn, Pork in the Road Food Truck, Elizabeth Vilkas Design, Baker’s Rack Bakery, Blessed Boutique, I Love You to the Moon & Back, Black Walnut Bakery and Crock’n Cle.

PHOTOS BY ALEXIS OATMAN — THE NEWS-HERALD WataTees owner Thomas Karpy says he’s happy to be at the market in Eastlake.

Pork In The Road was on hand at the June 24 outdoor market in the parking lot at Classic Park.

Collin Arkenburg of Willoughby entertains shoppers at the outdoor market June 24.

Don Anna Farm was among vendors at the outdoor market in Eastlake.