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<\/p>\nBy LOIS KINDLE<\/p>\n
Vendor markets are booming these days and for good reason. They\u2019re much more than simply places to shop.
These \u201cmini-malls of commerce\u201d support small, local businesses; offer unique, high-quality goods and healthier food options; and create a sense of community and connection.<\/p>\n
The Ruskin Fresh Market and Big Bend Market present the monthly Ruskin Vendor Market inside the Florida Vine Ripe Farm Inc. Warehouse at 2619 14th Ave. SE. It opened in June with 25 vendors and three food trucks and has since attracted new crowds through advertising in The Observer News and week-before social media blasts.<\/p>\n
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COURTESY PHOTO
Nicole Ferrera, of the Ruskin Fresh Market, left, and Lisette Cordero, of the Big Bend Market, collaborate monthly to present the Ruskin Vendor Market to the community.<\/p>\n
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LISETTE CORDERO PHOTO
Elijah Austin, owner of Eli\u2019s Doughmain, is pictured at a Ruskin Vendor Market event. All of the vendors who bake items for the market are cottage-food operators.<\/p>\n
The family friendly pop-up market has already grown to host 27 to 30 vendors and 3 to 5 food trucks. Leashed, well behaved pups are always welcome.<\/p>\n
Two monthly markets remain on this year\u2019s calendar.<\/p>\n
On Small Business Saturday\u2014Nov. 29\u2014the vendor market will be themed for fall, take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature 27 vendors and three food trucks. Snow White will be making an appearance between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for the kids.<\/p>\n
Vendors will feature all kinds of wares, including loose leaf tea, handmade soaps, jewelry and herbal infused honey; sourdough bread and other freshly baked goods; hooded bath towels; essential oils and handmade resin and cat-related items; embroidered kitchen towels, custom phone cases, knickknacks and much more.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to include a wide array of mostly local vendors who offer items that aren\u2019t competing with each other,\u201d said Ruskin Vendor Market co-owner Nicole Ferrara, who shares the pop-up\u2019s proceeds with Big Bend Market owner Lisette Cordero, who organizes the monthly event. Fererra oversees its operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve run the monthly Big Bend Market since 2022 and teamed up with Nicole this past summer to introduce the Ruskin Vendor Market,\u201d Cordero said. \u201cOur goal is to provide space for local vendors to market their goods and bring the community together.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ruskin Christmas Vendor Market will take place over two days, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, and noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21. The plan is to have 25 completely different vendors on both days, Ferrera said.<\/p>\n
Nonprofit organizations participate for free; all others pay $60 for a 10 by 10 space and $70 if they need electricity. Food trucks are $60.<\/p>\n
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