Shop Downtown: Who Else Can't Wait?
The 2023-2024 Shop Downtown Outdoor Saturday Market proved to be even better than we imagined, so you can see our excitement concerning this announcement! We are so happy that the 2024-2025 Shop Downtown Outdoor Saturday Market Vendor Application is now open to the public.
For those who did not know that we have a downtown district in LaBelle and don’t know we host markets, let us fill you in! LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC) launched outdoor markets back in 2018. It was definitely a bumpy start, but after building our audience, working with vendors, and listening to listening to words of wisdom, we finally landed on a great thing! Our Markets used to be placed on Park Avenue in front of our office, facing the location where the Caloosa Humane Society Yard Sales were held. As we gained vendors, the market transitioned to the grassy area between the Barron Library and the LDRC Office along with Park Avenue. We received feedback that people don’t care for walking around in grass. Grass is great - don’t get us wrong! But, it can be damp, a bit itchy, and there tend to be these little mean fire ants that live in grass. So, after listening to helpful advice, we made the leap over to DeSoto Avenue (the road that goes under the bridge by the water), but we still stayed in the grass…we were nervous to get off the grass for some reason that we have forgotten. We used to charge $10 for the grassy area and bumped the vendor fee up to $25 to be along the premiere spot on the river. We heard more feedback. There seems to be a disconnect between the river view and grass vendors. It felt like it was too spread out. That was the last thing we wanted, so we moved exclusively to DeSoto Avenue.
The past two seasons have been a true testament to the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in our community. The growth has given us the warm fuzzies. We have had the pleasure of seeing entrepreneurs move on to brick-and-mortar establishments. Shout out to Family Grounds Café, The Happy T-Shirt Shop, and Bagel 8! WOO! We have also had the opportunity to partner with vendors like Pink Pirate Customs, which sponsored our entire Howl-O-Ween event. It’s incredible to build these relationships and watch everyone flourish.
You can see why we are excited to release this application! Another topic we feel is important to touch upon…duplicate vendors. We have talked to several of our vendors about what it is like to build their craft, their audience, and their online presence. It takes a lot! Because of those conversations that we have had, we chose to choose one. There is one soap vendor. There is one candle vendor. There is one tumbler vendor. We cherish the opportunity to host our vendors and feel honored that they have chosen our Market to showcase their wares. That said, it also kills us to have to reject applications. Just know that we wish you the very best in your endeavors, and perhaps we will have the opportunity to work together in the future.
Without further ado, we present THE LINK! You can find the Eventeny link on our website page dedicated to all things Shop Downtown Outdoor Saturday Market. Or, you can simply click HERE – not as exciting but we understand y’all are busy. The fee is still $25 for a 10x10 booth. This local market needs to be profitable for everyone and we believe this is a fair price.
If you are a shopper – WE LOVE YOU! It gives us another case of the warm fuzzies to see familiar faces each month. It’s so nice that y’all bring more friends to each Market to share this little shopping treasure along the river. We have always had wonderful sponsors who have helped us fund the music and additional expenses that occur in hosting the Market. We want to thank the City of LaBelle. The City of LaBelle has been gracious in its support of LDRC. The city staff brings over barricades and garbage cans each month for the Markets. The city also allows us to close the road for the markets, so thanks for that; it is a huge help! We are grateful for the tourism dollars from the Hendry County Tourism Department. When you see the ads in Florida Country Magazine, hear the blasts on Glades Media, and when you scroll past the ads on your social media feed, it is because of TDC.
Regarding the music, Patrick and his friend, Dan, sing to us every month. It’s lovely to shop to music! They are great. The 2024-2025 Season will continue to have live music thanks to the generosity of the Robert and Ellen Ferguson Foundation. This charitable foundation values the contributions of small-town communities, local animal rescues, and organizations dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our residents. We really appreciate Ms. Ellen’s unwavering support of the LaBelle Downtown District and her patronage of our Markets. You rock, Ellen!
After this hot and steamy summer, we will be ready to see all of your smiling faces in front of and behind the tables. Here’s to another awesome season. Thank you all again!
