As the new Firehouse Market enters its third month and becomes more and more popular in the community, it continues to offer creative goods and friendly events to the local area.
The idea for the market came from members of the fire department. Their goal was to open their doors and build positive relationships with the local community.
To bring this goal to fruition, the Central Platte Fire Protection District and the Downtown Platte City Association created a positive partnership to support the goals of both groups.
“The Firehouse Market not only brings people into the fire station space and introduces the firefighters to the community, it also supports local vendors in selling their homemade goods,” Sarah Rudis, president of the Downtown Platte City Association said. “Central Platte Fire and the Downtown Platte City Association have created a positive partnership to support the goals of both groups. Both groups have intermingled to pull off this event every month.”
The groups did a quick test run last year, but actually kicked off the Firehouse Market in February.
The primary goals behind the market are mainly to bring people and business down to Main Street, to bring awareness to the Downtown Platte City Association and its work on reviving and supporting downtown businesses, as well as opening the doors to Central Platte Fire, and building and solidifying the relationships within the community.
The vendor booths are available for local people to sell their homemade goods and make connections with other vendors in the area.
The events will offer unique treasures which include hand-thrown pottery, homemade dog treats, custom leather accessories, homemade soaps and lotions, personalized apparel, jewelry, local honey, candles, and much more.
“The Firehouse Market will have something for everyone…even the family dog,” Rudis said.
The market events are every third Saturday of the month, and the next one will be April 20. The doors will open at 9 a.m. at the fire station at 201 Main Street.
Thirty-nine vendor spots are available at the market.
“I am personally excited to see Aaron Howell back,” Rudis said. “He makes jewelry out of vintage matchbook covers. I have never seen anything like it before. I am also looking forward to seeing what Sean at Creative Coatings will have at his booth.”
Weather permitting, the market events will be both indoors and outdoors. Mid-America Beef grilled food in March for the market and food trucks and local produce are planned for future events.
“This is a great way to offer the community a shoppers’ paradise, while also bringing community members together,” Rudis said.
For more information, or to inquire about renting a booth, email pcfirehousemarket@gmail.com.