After the success of last year’s farmer’s market, the Collegiate Merchandising Association (CMA) is in preparation to host it again this year.
The event is scheduled for Apr. 14, from 1-8 p.m. in the Culp Cave.
“I feel like it’s something that a lot of people look forward to each year, and it’s really good for some of these small businesses because it’s kind of hard to compete nowadays with big businesses and everything going on,” said Gracie Barger, CMA club president. “But I feel like it’s good to give local businesses some attention and it also helps promote the CMA club as well.”
The CMA is currently looking for more vendors to set up at the market. They’re taking a wide array of small businesses and local vendors, from vintage resellers to jewelry to food. Many of last year’s vendors have reached out to return, as well as several businesses run by previous CMA students.
“And some of the vendors we have they do like an Etsy storefront. So, they don’t have a lot of opportunities really to like, kind of be out in person and show off their products,” said Carly Bolus, CMA club vice president. “So it’s really nice for them, and I think we have like a lot of students, actually, that have an Etsy business.”
The CMA club has high hopes for the farmer’s market to continue expanding and provide resources for students to “job hunt” by meeting with these local vendors.
“It’s a good way to connect students with the community as well,” said Barger. “It’s good to kind of get in touch with the community, get involved, and just kind of connect ETSU with Johnson City.”
If you are interested in setting up at the Farmer’s Market, you can contact Gracie Barger, bargerg@etsu.edu, or Carly Bolus, bolusc1@etsu.edu.
