After only a few short months of Saturday events at Libby Wesley Plaza, the Crafted on the Ave. event is here to stay! Vendors, visitors and locals all agree that it’s a great open-air marketplace for not only finding one-of-a-kind goods, but also supporting local businesses.
“Since the market started in January attendance has steadily grown each month. We are excited to see Crafted on the Ave. become a monthly, family-friendly destination,” said Alexina Jeannite, CRA Community Engagement Director. “More people and their families are taking advantage of a space where they can come shop their favorite local vendors, enjoy delicious food, get creative, and enjoy the live music.”
Many of the vendors have taken advantage of the market to grow their business, earn income, and interact with new customers. With each monthly event, day-of attendance grows as well as repeat business throughout the month for the local businesses along the Northwest and Southwest Fifth Avenue Business District.
“We’re proud to have an assortment of vendors each month, who offer handmade products like soaps, skincare, art, jewelry, and accessories, to apparel, food like sweets and Caribbean cooking, and of course our DJ,” Jeannite said. “To help increase vendor visibility and reach, we started highlighting vendors on the CRA’s social media platforms and hope that the exposure from Crafted on the Ave. continues to expand their businesses.”
Crafted on the Ave. helps the CRA mission by encouraging economic growth and business activity throughout the district. It highlights local businesses that might not have otherwise reached the people who come to the craft market. The location of the market at Libby Wesley Plaza encourages foot traffic to the existing businesses in the area as well, like Ceasar’s Famous Ribs, Sweets Jamaican Restaurant, and Bears Food Shack.
“We have gotten positive community feedback on the variety of vendors,” Jeannite said. “In addition to people being introduced to vendors they might not have encountered, at each market, they are enjoying the environment, the live music and DJ, DIY craft station, and various activities. For example, during the month of April, we hosted a very competitive Easter egg hunt for the kids.”
The goal of the Crafted on the Ave. event is to provide a place of exposure for local businesses of handmade products, art, and other crafts and goods and to foster business activity in the Historic Northwest and Southwest Fifth Avenue Business District.
Crafted on the Ave. dates have been extended through the end of the year, and include June 4, June 18, July 2, September 3, October 1, November 5 and December 3. The events are held Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m.
The best part is that vendors are still being accepted for the monthly events! Anyone who is interested can submit their application and required documents for consideration. For more information or questions, call (561) 891-2444 or email Jackie Barber at craftedontheave@gmail.com.
