To create a supportive community, the Harleysville Market provides a welcoming atmosphere by allowing local vendors and shoppers alike to enjoy a fresh start to spring.
For market customer Sarah Swindells, shopping locally is enjoyable.
“Shopping locally is a great way to support the community,” Swindells said. “It is important to support smaller and more local businesses.”
The shoppers appreciate the turnout of community at the market. For Swindells, “It’s great to see everyone supporting the market.”
Vendor Jenna Krauss sold earrings for her business, JK Creative, for the first time at the Harleysville Market. Krauss has a degree in graphic design and was inspired to start a jewelry business when she started making earrings for friends.
Krauss describes shopping at small businesses as a “win-win situation,” as the products are often more “personalized and high-quality.”
“I’m enjoying the market,” Krauss said, “the environment here is great.”
Senior and student-vendor Jonathan Greenly performed live demonstrations of blacksmith work for the market’s shoppers.
“I have all the equipment here so I can make things and people can watch,” Greenly said. “Most of the people who walk by have never seen a blacksmith in person, if at all.”
Attending the market can also provide a learning experience. According to Greenly, it’s important to “show people new things they may not have seen or heard of before.”
For Greenly, his business can be more independent and commissioned for the buyer.
“I sell the things I make,” Greenly said, “people interested can make custom requests.”
Vendor Gigi Clark runs a booth with her business, Jolia James, selling a wide variety of handmade decor and crafts. Clark describes her business’s products as a mixture of “self-care and celebration.”
Clark enjoys that the community unites.