Shopping local at Selma Saturdays 2019. Source: Selma, NC Parks and Recreation

Selma Saturdays, organized by the Town of Selma, North Carolina’s Parks and Recreation, brought together shoppers and local makers for six dates in 2019. This “Uptown” market provided space for local artisans, and these vendors were not charged for booth space, making the market an economical option for individuals and small businesses.

Selma Saturdays took place in Vick Park, in the 100 Block of E Anderson Street in Uptown Selma. Vick Park is adjacent to the Parks and Recreation department.

Market days included entertainment, too. Local singers, dancers, jugglers, and talented groups performed on-stage during Selma Saturdays.

Fall weather spurred the market as did special events to engage the public. The September market included the “Guestimation Station” where people could bring up to three items for Antiques Roadshow-style appraisals. Estimated values were provided by by Vernon Creech (“The Bottle Man”) and Donna Reid (Owner of Reids Country Sampler).

At the November Selma Saturday, a “Not Just Pie Baking Contest” invited vendors and the public to bake their best and bring it to be judged (and shared). The dessert competition winners and judges are shown in the photograph below:

Not Just Pie Baking Contest winners and judges 2019. Source: Selma Parks and Recreation

From left-to-right: Nancy Steele (Judge from Denny’s Restaurant in Selma) — Starr Pridget (Tastiest) — Edward Pettiford (Prettiest) — Cathy Best (Most Unusual) — Josh Lindquist Overall Winner/Representing Selma Fire Department A-Shift) — Bobbie Wiggs (Judge) — Mya Chattman (Kid Friendly) — Chef Robbie Carver (Judge from JCC Culinary Course)

Said Melissa M. Dooley, organizer for the Town of Selma Parks and Recreation:

“The market this year, as a whole, went well. We are creating a buzz here in Selma.”

Photos below show just a few of the vendors and customers at this year’s market.

Selma Saturdays 2019 vendor. Source: Selma, NC Parks and Recreation

Local vendors who participated, for one date or for all six, were:

Art by Alma
Beyond Measure Woodworking
Crow Hollow Crafts
Dekorations by DK
Herbs from the Earth
Its All Good Crafts
Katherine’s Krafts
Ladybug Candles of Garner
Love & Leather
Lux Crochet Creations
Lynda’s Crochet Creation
Needlesong
Oddly Burnt
Patricia Cordova
Perfectly Posh & Handmade
Robin’s Seashells and Beyond
Scentsible Soaps Gifts
Shore Soap
Sprout / Yarnlings
Transfer Me
Utopia Natural Wellness
With Love, Kristen
Yarn4US

And, last but not least, KUDOS to these individuals who helped with the 2019 Selma Saturdays:

Donald Revell for helping vendors with set up and break down
Donna Reid for putting the “Guestimation Station” together
Rhonda Benson, Cathy Best and Betty Bish for helping with the Baking Contest

Selma Saturdays 2020

The Selma Saturdays market will return in 2020 and local creators and local talent are encouraged to sign up. Dates have been set for Spring and Fall, and vendors and stage performers can request applications now.

Apply for Vendor Space: In addition to the arts, crafts, handmade goods, etc. already sold at the market, there will be a change in 2020 to allow vendors who will sell natural products such as essential oils, lotions, CBD (Cannabidiol) products.

Note that “direct sales” products (such as Tupperware, Scentsy, etc.) cannot be sold at the market. Vendor space is only available for locally-made goods and products.

Apply to Perform: Take the stage on market days. Singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians, and other talented people or groups are invited to apply for 2020. Limited spots are available. Performers selected may be listed in Selma Saturdays marketing.

Selma Saturdays 2020 will again include three dates each in Spring and Fall.

Spring:

March 14, 2020 @9am-1pm — Opening Day
April 11, 2020 @9am-1pm — Easter Weekend
May 2, 2020 @9am-1pm — Mother’s Day market

Fall:

September 12, 2020 @9am-1pm — “Guestimation Station”
October 10, 2020 @9am-1pm — Pumpkin Carving/Painting
November 14, 2020 @9am-1pm — Baking Contest

Call the Selma Parks and Recreation department at 919.975.1411 for 2020 vendor or performer Applications.

Find market information and more at www.selma-nc.com/selma-saturdays.

Follow Selma Parks and Recreation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/selmaparksrec.