The Great Marietta Marketplace, a unique, mobile curated outdoor market, will take over East Muskingum Park on Saturday, August 25th. An offshoot of the original Marietta Marketplace, the event is now coordinated by Marietta Main Street and sponsored by WVU Parkersburg. The Marketplace has grown to include over 40 vendors and booths featuring original art, quality handcrafts, vintage goods and food.

“It’s a prime opportunity to invite small business owners, entrepreneurs, and local artists into downtown Marietta who don’t have a brick and mortar location. Pop-up marketplaces like The Great Marietta Marketplace are perfect opportunities for the smallest of business owners to test a product, capture support, grow a following, and network with other creative minds,” said Cristie Thomas, Executive Director of Marietta Main Street.

Vendors include local artists like Nicole Harris, Elements of Earth, Sweet Gypsy Brand, Marietta Gretta, and The Minted Vintage, as well as regional makers like Champaign Paper, Poor Sparrow, and Little Chicago Clothing Co. Shoppers will be able to find everything from vintage clothing and bath bombs to wallets made from baseball gloves and fine art. With local food trucks on site, shoppers will also be able to grab a tasty bite to eat from The Busy Bee, Smokin’ Pig’s Ash BBQ, and Elenie’s Food Truck.

Busy Bee Food Truck

“WVU Parkersburg is proud to celebrate and support small businesses and their deep impact on the region,” said Rebecca Rhodes, Program Specialist, Marketing and Communications at WVU Parkersburg. “The Great Marietta Marketplace boosts the local economy, makes the city a travel destination, and most importantly, fosters a sense of community.”

Thanks to The Adelphia Music Hall, live music will be featured at the Gazebo throughout the day, with performances by local artists Justin Arthur, Levi Westfall, and James Perrine. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the entertainment at the Gazebo. The event also includes a number of area nonprofits, like Building Bridges to Careers and the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, and direct sales consultants including Lularoe and Ashleigh Nicole Beauty.

Fresh Flowers from Wildroot Flower Co.

According to Laura Pytlik, organizer of the original Marietta Marketplace, “Our goal is to help promote Marietta as a destination Main Street city while providing a venue for small businesses, artists and vendors to showcase their products. Similar events, such as The City Flea in Cincinnati, have grown in popularity and add an exciting shopping experience to urban areas.”

The Great Marietta Marketplace will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Muskingum Park and is free to the public. The first 100 shoppers to make a purchase will receive a complementary tote bag to carry their treasures.

3D Printed Stump Planter by Department 100

“The Great Marietta Marketplace is an opportunity for visitors to see the unique creations of local businesses and vendors,” said Rhodes. “The entrepreneur movement is alive in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and it is important to create a place where every person can come together to build relationships and encourage small business endeavors.”

Spend the day in beautiful Marietta, enjoy meeting some talented artists and small business people, and shop for unique items.  In addition to The Great Marietta Marketplace, visitors will find a variety of boutiques and specialty shops, eateries and charming spaces on both sides of the river.

For more information and a full list of participating vendors visit the event website!
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