MOONLIGHT MARKET: PICTURE PERFECT FUN

article by Jackie Hostetler photos

courtesy Shawnee Chamber of Commerce

Picture this: The sun is rising on a Saturday morning in Shawnee. Area artisans, farmers, and makers arrive to the local farmers market at dawn to display their wares. Vendors and patrons alike gather to shop, eat, and socialize. It’s the quintessential picture of life in a sweet Midwestern town.

Now, replace the sunrise with the moon rise. Replace “Saturday morning” with “Thursday evening.” Replace the “dawn” with the “dusk.” Everything else is the same—including the sweet Midwestern town.

In May 2021, the town of Shawnee tried a new approach to its farmers market. The venture has been a smashing success.

According to Shawnee Communications Manager, Julie Breithaupt, the city’s Saturday morning farmers market was successful enough though it may have left a bit to be desired.

“We were facing some challenges with our farmers market,” says Breithaupt. “There are a number of other farmers markets in the area on Saturday mornings, including Overland Park and Lenexa. These are longer-standing, bigger, more well-attended farmers markets. Instead of trying to compete with these on Saturday mornings, we took a different look at it.” A New Look

What resulted was the Moonlight Market. On the third Thursday of every month, May through October, the city sponsors a new kind of farmers market.

The Moonlight Market not only showcase traditional farmers market vendors, offering fresh fruit and vegetables but also highlights nontraditional wares, as well as a number of downtown businesses.

“We were looking for a play on the traditional farmers market that might get more people into the downtown area,” says Breithaupt. “We have so many new businesses and so much growth. It’s really become more of a destination. We wanted to have an event that celebrates this and brings more people in.”

Baked goods, clothing, soaps, home décor, dog treats, and yard art are just a few of the items you might find next to the bushels of apples and crates of strawberries.

During the 2021 season, Breithaupt reports there were about 60 vendors who took part in the markets. As they gear up for the 2022 season, Breithaupt says more than 70 vendors have shown interest. For a nominal fee, vendors can participate in as many, or as few, of the markets as they wish though they do receive a discount for booking multiple weeks at the market.

Heather McCoy, owner of SoHo Creations and Soap, was one of the many vendors who participated in 2021 Moonlight Markets. SoHo Creations specializes in soaps, wax melts, dish towels, and T-shirts, among other things.

“It’s nice to see people you know at each market. It’s a really great atmosphere, almost carnival-like,” McCoy says.

As far as the innovative approach to scheduling the market goes, McCoy is definitely a fan.

“I love that it’s in the late afternoon to early evening, which makes it a family event. It adds to the sense that this is a community event and not just a craft fair,” she says.

Katherine Melchiorre, owner of Kat’s Confections, agrees with McCoy. Melchiorre’s pastry business was also featured in the 2021 market.

“The Moonlight Market is such fun event to be a part of,” says Melchiorre. “It’s different from other events because it’s held in the evening. Everyone seems so happy and excited to be out enjoying the weather, activities, and local shopping.”

In addition to shopping, several other activities are available at the market.

“We shut down some of the streets and really make it like a big street party,” Breithaupt says.

Food trucks and beer gardens feature food and drinks from local establishments such as Transport Brewery and Servaes Brewing Co. There are also kid-friendly activities; some markets have featured inflatable water slides while others have offered carnival rides and face painters. And it wouldn’t be a party without live music, also featured at every Moonlight Market.

“It’s really a fun, eclectic mix. You can do some shopping, you can grab a beer, your kids can have fun, you can grab a bite to eat. You can just plan your whole evening downtown,” Breithaupt says.

For the early-risers, the traditional farmers market continues every Saturday morning.

“We kept out traditional farmers market open on Saturday mornings, but the Moonlight Market was a huge hit last year,” Breithaupt says, “and we’re really looking forward to this year, as well.”

Picture fun.

Picture family

Picture community.

Picture the Shawnee Moonlight Market.

Third Thursday of every month May through October 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Downtown Shawnee Parking available west of City Hall and at Splash Cove

Shopping Food and drinks Live music Fun

Kids and adults of all ages Everyone welcome.

CityOfShawnee.org/residents/moonlight_market