Geneva Market returns last weekend, attracts 2,700 shoppers over two days

The Geneva Betterment Committee went forward with a modified version of the twice-annual Geneva Market and shoppers responded in spades.

Tonya Sanders, President of the Geneva Betterment Committee, said between Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, nearly 2,700 shoppers visited the old Geneva school grounds to find unique items and participate in now-rare outdoor summer fun.

“We saw a lot of social distancing taking place but people were really thankful to be able to safely get out,” Sanders said.

The weekend was full of pleasant surprises, such as mostly rain-free weather despite the forecast, a visit from guest celebrity Maddie Poppe and new vendors – especially the one that sold roasted crickets.

“It was amazing that we had such nice weather considering that we went into the weekend expecting rain and storms,” she said.

Along with the usual $3 entry fee, guests to this year’s market were asked to bring one nonperishable food item for local food pantries. Sanders said the effort raised nearly four truckloads of food.

“(Shoppers) loved the idea in these trying times,” she said.

Funds raised from entry fees, along with a Franklin County Community Development grant, will be used to bring additional improvements to the grounds. Sanders said this year, siding will be put on the maintenance shed that houses the market car and supplies, as well as cement work on the grounds.

The fall edition of the Geneva Market will be Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12.