It is so hard to believe the Fall Market was eleven days ago. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity and trust to bring this dream to life. From the moment I decided to start with this endeavor, I was welcomed with open arms by so many people from the church and I appreciate each and every person. I called and talked to so many of you – I appreciate each person opening their hearts and sharing different ideas, creating this wonderful day. Street of Shoppes was an event that we all hold dear in our hearts and I am honored to be the one chosen to bring this legacy back to life. I personally remember coming to Street of Shoppes every year since I could walk. I remember being unable to attend one year due to working Saturdays at that time, so I came by just to get a bowl of chili from the Snack Shoppe on my way to work! There’s something about that chili that holds a special place in my heart – it makes me feel like a kid again each time. I think there’s just something special about Street of Shoppes – and now – the Fall Market, and God is at the very heart of it.
We had 48 awesome vendors that sold a variety of items and over 900 people in attendance! Forty-five volunteers from Klein Cain Honor Society assisted by: helping during the market and breaking down Once Loved Treasures and the book room, assisting with the raffle and silent auction, bringing trays back to the snack shop, handing market pamphlets to each person, and counting people as they walked into the market. We also had over twenty people from the church volunteer their time by pricing items in Once Loved Treasures and running the room on market day, making and serving all the food for the snack shop, cashiering the snack shop, coordinating and running the SOS crafters room, organizing and running the book room, and assisting with the raffle and silent auction. We also loved having the St. Dunstan’s Youth Group as a vendor booth selling their fun items!
During and after the event, I listened to any feedback I could receive to make sure next year is a continued success! The SOS Crafters have been working all year on beautiful crafts and they are very happy with their success at the market. The volunteers for Once Loved Treasures raved about the help they received from the high school volunteers and felt like their shop was a success as well. The church volunteers in the book shop, snack shop, and raffle/silent auction mentioned they stayed busy for the majority of the day and they did great as well! Several vendors thanked us for having this event and I have also received many emails asking when the next market will be because they would like to return! I have also heard that the vendor variety was a success – there were so many fun items being sold, including tumblers, homemade dog treats, home décor, popcorn, hand-poured candles, baked goods, art and woodwork, books written by local authors, jewelry, and clothing.
Speaking of that…. WE HAVE A DATE!! Mark your calendars for October 18, 2025! Now that I have this year under my belt, I have so many dreams and visions I want to bring to life/make things smoother. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering for next year, please reach out to me so I can get a running list started.
Thank you so much for welcoming me into your church and trusting me with this beautiful, God-filled event.
With love,
Shelley Smith
