Geneva Market Draws Crowd Once Again

The Geneva Market made its 2025 debut on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. 

This marked the 25th running of the biannual market, which was started twelve years ago by Cindy Sanders and her daughters, Tonya and Amanda.

This most recent market had at least 200 juried vendors selling vintage, antique and handcrafted items, plus 14 outlets offering food, drinks and treats. Past markets have regularly drawn crowds of 4,000 over the two days it's held. 

The Geneva Betterment Committee, who runs the market, also sold 500 homemade cinnamon rolls, pie, also operating two concession stands selling food and ice cream during the market. 

Alongside the vendors were four music acts, a petting zoo, and face painting. Volunteer groups helping this year were 42 North Ministry, God's Way and Pony Express.

Admission to the market was five bucks per person, with twelve and under free. Proceeds will go to renovating the grounds and former Geneva High School as well as charitable projects such as $30,000 raised for a Geneva playground project and $10,000 divided among ten other local charities.

Michelle Hartman, aka the "Crazy Tupperware Lady," was one of many vendors at the market last week. 

“The weather was beautiful for the Spring Geneva Market,” Hartman said. “It was fun meeting people from all over the state of Iowa.”

Hartman has attended the Geneva Market since 2020. She bought and created the Tupperware Trailer On The Go specifically for events like the Geneva Market. 

 “The market is much more than shopping,” she said. It is an experience that includes music, food and friends.”