Customers flock to first Pottsville Outdoor Market in Alvernia parking lot

Hyun Soo Lee, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
Updated ·3 min read

Apr. 15—POTTSVILLE — Families enjoyed a large selection of food, crafts, trinkets and other wares Saturday at the inaugural Pottsville Outdoor Market.

Despite rain being forecast for much of Saturday, hundreds of people showed up to the event, which was held in the Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne parking lot.

Although there were a few cancellations due to the projected inclement weather, about 30 vendors ultimately turned out for the event, with a wide variety of products represented in the lineup.

The event was co-hosted by Amanda Marx, owner of Queen Bee Boutique, and Jonathan Morris, owner of North Centre Plaza, where the shop is located. The market was the first of seven marketplace events that the two are planning to host this year.

"It's been a good turnout," Marx said.

Each month, organizers will donate a portion of the proceeds from the market to a specific cause within the community.

Proceeds from Saturday's event will go to Pottsville's Christmas lights fund, which is organized by Mayor Dave Clews.

"When you attend the markets, you're supporting small businesses, but also giving back to the community," Marx said.

Businesses at the inaugural marketplace included those with traditional storefronts, like Drasdis & Son and Main Street Moonshine, as well as those that operate on a mobile basis.

One of the vendors, Trevor's Lemonade, was operated by 11-year-old Trevor Barnes, of Mahanoy City.

Trevor, who has been making and selling lemonade for about two years, offered three varieties of the drink Saturday.

He plans to return to the market for future events.

"I like doing this," he said.

Also at the event, officials from Alvernia University, including Director Cynthia Mensch, spoke to prospective students and alumni about the new campus.

Other businesses that participated in the event included Honey Brook Farm, Greenway Apiaries, KD Krafts, Heritage Hills Ice Cream, Chef Tony's Food Truck, Big Dawgz Cook'n, Island Harmony Hot Sauce and Beautycraft Apothecary.

Future events

The market was the first of seven Pottsville Outdoor Market events that Morris and Marx are planning to host this year.

The event is set to return May 13, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 23 and Oct. 28.

"I was really curious to see what was here, and I think it's great," said Estelle, of Pottsville. "I'm looking forward to seeing them all summer."

The markets in June and August will be held at Union Station, while all other events will be held in the Alvernia parking lot.

Morris and Marx expect more businesses to become part of the Pottsville Outdoor Market in the coming months, particularly farmers and produce sellers.

Marx said that the lineup for next month's market is "filling up quickly," with an expanded selection of vendors.

Anyone interested in obtaining a vendor application can email PottsvilleOutdoorMarkets@gmail.com or call Morris at 570-449-9922 or Marx at 570-449-4117.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085