May Makers Market offers loads of options for spring shopping

By Sherry Lucas

The Olde Towne May Makers Market blooms Saturday, May 10, in downtown Clinton with a focus on creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit.

About fifty to sixty vendors will gather on the brick streets with wares to entice shoppers, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We are in the heart of all things spring in May,” Main Street Clinton’s Jackie Massey said. “An open-air market is a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors while browsing the markets for unique finds.”

May Makers Market’s proximity to Mother’s Day always makes it the perfect opportunity to spend the day with that most special mom, Main Street Clinton Events Assistant Kim Smith said.

“Alongside the market vendors, Olde Towne merchants will be open during market hours, offering a great opportunity to find a unique and thoughtful gift for mom and something special for yourself.”

Bath and body products, candles, baked goods, specialty coffees and teas, embroidered and handsewn items, home decor, handmade jewelry, custom art, local pottery, woodwork and more will offer a buffet of bounty to choose from.

Shoppers can keep an eye out for vendors such as Geneva Springs Farms from Pickens, specializing in naturally grown heirloom and specialty corps that may trigger fond memories and open a new frontier of flavors.

“They produce a variety of products, including pepper sauce, pepper flakes, dried peppers and other goods made from produce grown on their farm,” Smith said.

Clinton resident and Moon Dog Metals owner Jeff Gordon crafts custom jewelry, with stamped cuff bracelets a particular favorite.

“I work with a variety of metals, including gold, silver, copper and brass, with the primary focus on jewelry made from 999FS (fine silver),” Gordon said. He melts silver so he can produce all the components necessary for his needs.

“Some of the cool things that I’ll have at the market will be hand stamped silver cuff bracelets with a wide range of designs, incorporating Mandala, Southwestern and Tribal inspirations.”

His brother, Larry Gordon, creates unique handcrafted wooden boxes, some in the traditional Japanese Sashimono or Kiribako style, that can serve as a prayer box, presentation box, classic pencil box or simply to hold precious keepsakes. He also engraves and can custom engrave a box for that extra personal touch.

The Mena family from Terry includes all nine children wrapped in entrepreneurial activities, Smith said.

“At the May market, shoppers can find Steven, Jenny and their children running two of their businesses, Dad’s Dogs and Dad’s Disappearing Salsa. Dad’s Dogs offers delicious all-beef hot dogs with custom toppings and homemade lemonade. Dad’s Disappearing Salsa provides all-natural dried salsa and dip mixes that are quick, easy and delicious.”

Shoppers often hit the market with fun and gifts in mind.

“With numerous special occasions in May, the May Makers Market is the perfect place to find a unique and meaningful gift for everyone on your list,” Smith said. “For Mother’s Day, you can find a variety of items, such as pottery, plants, jewelry, bath and body products, candles and art. Graduates who are setting up a new living space will appreciate household items, custom pottery and artwork. Bridal gift options include artwork, home decor, handcrafted wood items and pottery.”

The market is made for browsing, and grazing, too. Shoppers can check out the teas by Sippsi Good Tea, coffee from Campervan Coffee Roasters, the hot sauces from Geneva Springs Farms and JAAL Sauces, seasonings from Southern Char Seasonings, salsa mixes by Dad’s Disappearing Salsa, sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies from Little Bakery Co. and sweets from Renciz Sweetz and Treatz.

While there, market-goers are encouraged to check out the fourth annual Children’s Business Fair, and see what those entrepreneurial upstarts are up to. The fair inspires kids ages six to fourteen to develop their own brand, create a product or service and build a marketing strategy to sell it to customers. It’s a chance to see imagination and creativity at work, as well as support an upcoming generation of creators.