Vendors needed for new Downtown Rochester Makers’ Market

ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester has added a new summer event to its lineup, and organizers are looking for artisan vendors, makers and handmade crafters to help make it a success.

The first Downtown Rochester Makers’ Market will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, on West Fourth Street, between Main and Walnut.

Rochester Downtown Development Authority Events Coordinator Jenna O’Dell said the DDA has added art as an initiative this year and is looking forward to hosting a space that can support local artisans and crafters in the area.

“We’re working on promoting art and artisans and the overall art feel, so we thought this would be a great addition for our event calendar,” she said.

The Makers’ Market — which replaces the former Junk in the Trunk and Thursday Night Market events — will include artisan vendors, crafters, vintage collectors and makers selling their handcrafted goods, wares and other specialty items.

“This is kind of like our summertime Kris Kringle Market, because it will be on West Fourth Street in the heart of downtown,” added Taylor Knuth, the DDA’s marketing coordinator. “We’re really excited to evolve this market opportunity in the summer season to show off local small businesses.”

Those interested in purchasing a booth space at the market are encouraged to fill out a registration form online at www.Downtownrochestermi.com, where they will be asked to provide three images of vendor artwork and one image of the vendor’s booth display. The deadline to register is Friday, May 5.

“It’s a great opportunity for artisan vendors and crafters to get their name out and spread the word about their business, whether they have a brick-and-mortar already or if it’s just an Etsy shop. We are really trying to build the relationship between artisan crafters, vendors and the community members that attend the event,” O’Dell said.

The Makers’ Market is a juried show, and acceptance is based on “the quality of design, workmanship, originality, and booth display as depicted in vendor’s photo submissions.”

Vendors will know if they have been selected to participate by May 8.

To stay in the know about all downtown Rochester happenings, text “JOIN” to (866) 603-4005 or visit downtownrochestermi.com.