08/13/2023
Posted this evening from the Belding Beatnik Bazaar :
I want to thank you all for a wonderful market yesterday. The weather cooperated and everyone seemed to have a great time. Kudos to all of you who make our market what it is.....the best local outdoor market in the West Michigan area.
Our theme for the September market is Fall Finale
After much consideration, I have decided that the September market will be our last. We have had 9 wonderful seasons. We managed to thrive and grow from our humble beginnings (when I had to literally print flyers and hope area businesses would post on bulletin boards), outgrowing locations twice, making it through the Covid pandemic and attracting fans from all over the State of Michigan. I did not accomplish this alone. I could not have done any of this without our vendors, our customers and my loyal core group of volunteers. The Elvis themed market for opening day 2023 will be our legacy. That day will go down in our city's history as one of the greatest that has ever taken place downtown.
I will turn 62 years old soon. My husband will retire in October. Even though I will continue to work, it is time for me to focus on family and other causes near and dear to my heart. I am not saying the beatnik bazaar will never be resurrected as a one time indoor event or other one time happening, but we will not be a monthly summer staple in Belding. I may decide to offer consulting services to other cities to help them organize and grow their own farm markets, as I truly believe these types of events are an integral part of bringing a community together.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for participating in this crazy dream of mine. Who knows what I'll dream up next, but I'm a better person for knowing all of you.
Let's go out with a bang. See you in September everyone !
Marketmaster Jenny