Brooklyn Center Hosts Pop-Up Saturday Market
For the first time in almost two decades, a vacant lot in Brooklyn Center became a place of business. The city hosted vendors for the first of four pop-up Saturday markets.
Pop-Up Saturday Market highlights entrepreneurs
The wind kept Tika Cymone busy at her first attempt at a pop-up shop. She set up her booth at Brooklyn Center’s first Pop-Up Saturday Market.
“My clothes are like kites, just trying to fly away,” joked Tika Cymone. “Any clothing that you don’t necessarily want to get rid of, but maybe give it a new life, I’m your girl.”
Entrepreneurs like Cymone are bringing new activity to a five acre space that has been vacant for 18 years.
“We’re bringing an event to a vacant parcel that really creates a vibrant atmosphere for all of the surrounding businesses as well,” says Brett Angell. Angell is the business and workforce development specialist at the city of Brooklyn Center.
Angell says the Pop-Up Saturday Market is about highlighting local entrepreneurs.
“The ones that are selling goods might not have a space, a brick and mortar space, to do so,” says Angell. “This is giving them the option to sell in the community.”
Entrepreneurs who live in Brooklyn Center could set up a booth for free, but people who do not live in the city could set one up for only $25.
Jill Dalton operates the Curves in Brooklyn Center. She brought along information on her business and a piece of exercise equipment for people to try out.
“It’s a no-brainer for me,” says Dalton. “I’m a local. I live here in Brooklyn Center. My Curves is in Brooklyn Center.”
Future Pop-Up Saturday Markets planned
Aside from the vendors, there’s also a family fun zone with bounce houses and balloon animals. The city has a pop-up market planned for one Saturday per month through October. While the crowd was small for the first week of the market, vendors are optimistic that this market is the start of a great Saturday tradition.
“I felt it would be the perfect opportunity to connect with a vast, diverse group of people and make a contribution,” says Floyd Williams, one of the vendors. “I wanted to be a part of it.”
