The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
OUTDOOR MARKET, FLEA MAKES MARK
Outdoor market runs every Wednesday in the Lakefront District
Every Wednesday, rain or shine, vendors at the Osborne Park Market and Flea provide more than just a wide variety of items to Willoughby’s Lakefront District.
The outdoor event, which starts at the beginning of June and runs through the end of September and goes from 4 to 8 p.m., gives people a place to go on a Wednesday, said Kathie Pinkerman, of the Willoughby Lakefront Business Association.
Its Pinkerman’s second year in running the market.
“You can get something to eat, go shop, bring stuff home for breakfast or dessert later,” she said. “We always have such a wide variety.”
“I have lived in Willoughby for 33 years and I just wanted to give back.”
— Kathie Pinkerman, of the Willoughby Lakefront Business Association
From household items to clothing to antiques, as well as fresh produce and baked goods, the vendors and the customers who come out continue to be Pinkerman’s favorite part of the market and flea, she said.
“I have lived in Willoughby for 33 years and I just wanted to give back,” she said. “The people are so nice. We have some of the best vendors around.” While many vendors are local, some are coming from as far away as Ashtabula and Cleveland, Pinkerman said. An average of 60 to 65 vendors come out to the market and the highest has been 80 so far. The weather also predicts whether or not the 60-vendor mark will be made, she said.
Once a year, Pinkerman gives out an application to keep track of all of the vendors who come out. Debbie Yanchar and Monica Klczan, who run the Trendy Pop-Up Shop, are two of many.
The Trendy Pop-Up Shop was created by Yanchar to support local vendors within Lake County who are striving to promote their business. It consists of direct sales, independent sellers and arts and crafts, Yanchar said.
“We kind of pop up in different locations, but our primary location is Osborne Park,” she said. “We’re here every Wednesday and Sunday, and we will be continuing next year as well.”
The Trendy Pop-Up Shop’s hours on Sundays are from 1 to 5 p.m. Food and music are the key features included in the popup shop, but Yanchar sells leggings for her daughter, who has Down syndrome, she said.
“Everything I do goes for her,” she said. “I support Down syndrome awareness.”
For the pop-up shop, the possibilities are endless, Yanchar said, and it’s a good way to bring the community together. Especially in today’s times, it’s rewarding to know that people and their businesses can be helped, she said.
“For me, I’m people oriented,” Klczan said. “I get to meet new friends every day.”
On Sept. 9, the pop-up shop is doing a fundraiser for hurricane relief.
Also, among the vendors, is Brandon Stray, CEO of All About You Entertainment. For Stray, the market and flea brings good exposure to his entertainment company.
“You name it, we do it,” he said.
“Today, we’re providing audio and helping people navigate through the grounds so they know what deals are going on and where things are.”
In addition, bringing fresh produce into the picture is huge, said Kim Carpenter,
of Jilly Jeans Produce out of Thompson Township.
“Even my dogs know fresh produce,” she said. “Support local. That’s all I got to say.”
The market and flea started roughly eight years ago with local business owners wanting to bring more awareness to the Lakefront District and to their business, Pinkerman said. She noted that not only is the market and flea bringing awareness to mom and pop businesses, but it’s bringing awareness toward other attractions in the district.
Pinkerman said she is definitely seeing the market and flea turning into an annual event every year. Plans for adding more vendors are in the works for next year, as well as adding more food trucks and a classic, car show.
“We actually started the market on a Sunday and that went for about four years,” she said. “Then, it had stopped and I brought it back last year. It’s a nice place to be on a Wednesday afternoon.”