Fri 7/21 @ 3-9PM
Sat 7/22 @ 9AM-5PM
It’s almost time for the 17th Annual Summer Market at Black River Landing in Lorain. Vintage, handmade and homegrown goods are the stars of the show, but food, drink and local music are major attractions. Admission and parking are free.
Summer Market co-founders Erin Stack and Kristen Weeden created Summer Market and Girls Give Back to help people in need, give back to the community, spotlight local businesses, and provide volunteer opportunities. Since its launch in 2006, Girls Give Back, a nonprofit organization named for Stack’s and Weeden’s daughters (Margaret, Brie, Maddie, Zoe, Lily, Sophia, Georgia and Emilie), has sought to fulfill its mission to make the world a better place and carry out random acts of kindness.
The event was launched in 2006 in Avon Lake and has expanded into a sizable enterprise. Over 100 vendors, from artists to growers, along with restaurants and food trucks, will line up at the riverside park on the Black River this weekend. Guests can shop for art and artifacts ranging from vintage and architectural salvage to furniture and art. This is a unique summer opportunity to stroll through a large festival and feel its energy.
Food vendors will sell items that include Akron Honey’s infused honeys, City Hippie granola, Fifth Acre Farms heirloom produce and flower bouquets, Mediterranean Bakehouse artisan breads, Trisha’s Elderberries elder-based goods, and Ultra Matcha green tea. Eateries who will be there include Café Melissa, Cleveland Field Kitchen, Green Taverna, Lorenzo’s, Manna Truck, and The Pierogi Lady. Not wanting anything heavy? Check out Woolson Company kettle corn and lemonade, Michael’s Confections cinnamon glazed nuts, Farmhand Coffee, C.L.E. Cotton Candy, CLE Cookie Bar, and 808 Ice shaved ice. There will even be cocktails.
Dozens of merchandise vendors will be at the event and the variety is amazing. Here are some examples: Angela Oster’s paintings influenced by living on the shore of Lake Erie; The Wandering Wardrobe, a truckload of vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories; Teena’s Farm Charm authentic ventage home décor; Rough Around the Etches etched glassware; River Plant Co. houseplants and hand-painted pots; Crystal Moon Designs artisan sterling silver jewelry; and Ivy Court moss wall art and handmade paper prints.
A list of vendors as well as Summer Market merchandise and art can be found at thesummermarket.com/. The event is sponsored by the Lorain Port Authority, the Ed Huck Team of KW Citywide, STACK, and Lake Erie Living magazine.
Maybe you just want to sip a cocktail and chill on a warm summer day while feeling the energy of people mingling, eating and exploring. Or you want to find unique gifts or decorative pieces for the home. It could be your dinner destination. And the event is pet-friendly! Bring your dog, or whatever.
The best thing about the Summer Market may be the feeling of adventure as you wander aimlessly, transfixed by human artistry, while a cool Lake Erie breeze brushes against your skin. Why not find your way to Lake Erie’s shore and the Black River near downtown Lorain this weekend?
Claudia J. Taller has been writing for Cool Cleveland since shortly after its inception. She is the author of four books and has written many articles for local and national magazines. Find out more about her at http://claudiajtaller.com/.