Hampton Summer Market Sees Promising Start

Chris and Stephanie Andersen with Barn Door Market are pleased with how their first market went. 

Held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds from Friday to Sunday, the three-day market featured a variety of vendors, selling everything from popcorn to keychains. In total, they hosted 86 vendors. 

“It went very well for our first market,” said Chris. “It wasn’t a bombshell, but we need to build to that. Eventually, we want it to be so big that the community is putting it on their calendars.”

Chris, who is originally from Hampton, explained that they have two customers to think about: the vendors and the people who stop by the market. After surveying the vendors who participated in the summer market, he learned that around 85 percent of them made money. He was happy with that, but wants to see that percentage increase. 

“Ultimately, the vendors are our customers and we want to make them happy,” he said. 

One thing Chris would like to change is the time of their annual market. At first, they thought holding it after the Franklin County Fair would work to their advantage, but they soon realized that people were “faired out.” They’re considering June or August for next year. 

When it came to where they were going to hold the event, that was an easy decision, said Chris. 

“The fairgrounds in Hampton is one of the best in the state,” he said. “If you go there, you just know it. You feel it. Kudos to the fair board for all the work they do.”

The Andersens have another market coming up, set for Sept. 13 at the Butler County Fairgrounds. Follow them on Facebook at “Barn Door Markets” for their latest updates.