As vendors lined the downtown square, the Troy community grabbed their umbrellas and came together to immerse themselves in local artwork, crafts and food.
Fall Fest had begun. This lively downtown market gave local vendors the chance to connect with the community and expand their market.
“I wanted to showcase my work and just put myself out there,” said Anna Mitchell, an artist who graduated from Troy University in the spring. “It’s also fun.
“I really love these kinds of things.”
Some of the artwork Mitchell had on display focused on the local beauty of downtown Troy. It highlighted the importance of the Troy community – one of the reasons Mitchell came out to this year’s fall market.
“I’m able to meet a lot of people and make lots of sales, which is great,” Mitchell said. “I have fun meeting people, and it also helps me expand my following.
“You get to interact with people that you might not normally meet otherwise.”
Local vendors thrive off the support of the community. Small events like Fall Fest not only help vendors promote their business, but they also give locals the opportunity to connect with sellers in the area.
“We try to make all these kinds of events,” said Austin and Brittany Steen, two Troy locals who were at the event. “Most of these folks are from Troy.
We know the local vendors, so we like to be able to come out and support them.We love getting out of the house and taking the kids with us to enjoy family day.”
Some of the things visitors could check out included fresh flowers, wooden crafts and handmade soaps. One young vendor had an especially heartwarming story.
Eight-year-old Raelyn Comstock is an author who went to the event to promote her books. She lives in the area and has set up at events like this before.
“I like being outside, selling books and talking to people,” she said.
Comstock shared she’s been writing since she was six. She loves to write and wants to continue when she’s older. Comstock is just one example of how small-town markets can be a platform for anyone in the community who feels inspired.
By interacting face-to-face with local vendors such as Comstock and Mitchell, the community has the chance to build a more personal connection, something much more valuable than vendors advertising solely on online platforms.
Brittany Steen brings up the factor of social media.
“Social media is not the only way to get in touch with the community,” Steen said. “There is a pocket of people that you miss trying to only advertise on social media.
“Being out here and getting out there with the community, you get to sell to those who don’t have those platforms.”
With bright smiles and conversations buzzing around the square, Fall Fest came to a close, serving its purpose of bridging the gap between local vendors and the Troy community.
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