Vendors social distance at Band Shell Park

Vendors filled Band Shell Park on Saturday, July 11 for an afternoon of sales, music, and food.

Thirty-eight booths and food trucks set up in the park, separated at a safe distance, to sell everything from handcrafted goods to cosmetics to sandwiches while music played from the band shell.

“It was good,” said Amber Rodgers, who organized the event. “We had a lot of people walk through the park.”

Rodgers, who herself hosted a booth, decided to put on the merchants afternoon to make up for the various community events that have been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not just for the patrons, but for the vendors themselves who depend on events to sell their goods.

“With the year that we had because of COVID, we needed something,” said Rodgers.

The event also served as a fundraiser for the park, with donated gift baskets from area businesses serving as goods for a silent auction, with proceeds going towards refurbishing the park’s seating.

Stormy weather loomed on the horizon, but the rain stayed away long enough for the vendors to make it through the afternoon and pack up their things. Overall, Rodgers is happy with the turnout and is already planning on making this an annual event for the community.

“Being a resident here, I do what I can,” said Rodgers. “I look forward to next year.”