April 12 brings Spring into Green Market to Olde Towne
By Sherry Lucas
The Spring into Green market will bring a plethora of vendors to Olde Towne on April 12.
The annual Spring into Green Market welcomes the blooming season in Olde Towne Clinton, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
Its leading place among the first outdoor events each year fully embraces the season with the unique fun of Clinton’s Caterpillar Parade in its midst, plus the creative output of at least fifty craft vendors.
A crowd of about 4,000 to 5,000 people is expected throughout the day to enjoy the festivities and the shopping, said Main Street Clinton Assistant Jackie Massey.
“Friends and families congregate to enjoy the parade and festivities, and then linger to shop the market and enjoy the eateries in Olde Towne.”
The creative wares for sale will include pottery, woodworking, cheery home decor, amenities for outdoor living, jewelry to jazz up spring and summer wardrobes, and fragrant candles, bath and body products.
Woodturner Brian Hill will be back, with the household and kitchen wares shoppers have come to love. Artistic items such as vases, sculptures and hollow forms show off his creative skills. Fun items such as hand reels for fishing, whistles, magic wands and cup and ball games share his creative verve.
“I love being a vendor at this market,” Hill said, praising its organization and friendly, welcoming atmosphere. “Every year, we have repeat customers, and it is like a reunion of old friends.”
There is a great gang of vendors as well, he added, who’ve become friends, too.
“We have a great time catching up.”
Market newcomer Emilie Byrd and her Byrd Studio business will suit the season with a booth of watercolor and mixed media botanical paintings.
“Within the realm of botanicals, I specifically enjoy painting insects, birds and florals, but I also love to add in imagery, like vintage teacups, for a touch of whimsy!”
She says she is thrilled to join the market fun.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of all of the creative things that Clinton has going on!”
Stefanie Byrd (no relation to Emilie Byrd) started with Clinton markets last year, and eagerly returns for Spring into Green, with The Byrd Nest Studio goods.
“All of my items are handmade, with a strong focus on eco-friendly, reusable products like paperless towels, beeswax wraps and reusable face wipes,” she said. She’ll also have accessory bags, book tote bags and casserole totes. She, too, loves the friendly and helpful atmosphere of the Clinton markets, as well as the huge crowds and familiar faces.
As the market nears, keep an eye out around town for signs that more than just the market is getting into the season’s spirit. Spring green cheer doesn’t only happen on the brick streets.
“It is not uncommon for decorative caterpillars and butterflies that give a nod to our community’s celebration of spring to pop up in neighborhoods and businesses around town,” Massey said.
“New businesses in Olde Towne have opened since last spring. We are looking forward to them joining in on the fun.”
