I thought it would be nice to raise some money for the township and, at the same time, to provide a way for our community members to showcase their talents. – Meri Lynn Klingensmith
In an effort to showcase local products and raise funds for maintenance projects, Parkman Township officials will hold a Community Market in May.
“As coordinator for the Parkman Community House, I schedule a lot of events here and our township budget is thin,” Meri Lynn Klingensmith, organizer of the May 6 event, explained at the March 7 trustees meeting.
“I thought it would be nice to raise some money for the township and, at the same time, to provide a way for our community members to showcase their talents,” she said, adding she came up with the idea and asked for the approval of township trustees, who enthusiastically gave her the green light.
“The idea for this is to raise money toward projects to upgrade the community house,” said Trustee Roger Anderson, who oversees the landmark facility’s maintenance.
The township uses the two-story building for public meetings and rents it out for private events.
“We have many talented people in Parkman, from the Amish ladies who sew, to people who make homemade jams and jellies, to pie bakers,” Klingensmith said. “In addition, we have farmers who want to sell fresh eggs and people who want to set up their own small store to sell things like 31 bags, Scentsy or maybe even gently used household items.”
For $20, a vendor will get about 20-square-feet of table space to display and sell items. Inside spaces will include the table. Some tables will have electricity nearby if needed.
Outside spaces will be about 25 feet by 10 feet, large enough to include a vehicle, but the vendors will need to provide their own tables, she said.
In addition, vendors will be asked, but not required, to donate a raffle item or basket for a Chinese Auction. A 50/50 drawing will also be held.
Set-up will begin at 7 a.m. at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road. Sales will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Klingensmith told trustees she has about a dozen reservations already, and spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
“People are very interested, and spaces should fill up fast,” she said.
In addition, Klingensmith is looking for a non-profit group interested in selling concession food at the event.
“We’d like to give youth groups or charities an opportunity to make money for their group by selling a variety of food at the market,” she said.
Anyone interested should contact her at 440-548-5548 or by email at parkmancommunityhouse@gmail.com.
Profits from the space rentals and raffles will go to the township’s general fund. Vendors will keep the profits from the items they sell, Klingensmith said.
“We hope this event will bring our community together for a good cause, to make a profit and have fun in the process,” she said.
