In any other year it would have been an open air market mostly for farmers. But this year there came the unseasonable warm spell in March, the return to normally cool weather in April, a couple of killing frosts, and most fruit farmers were done for the year.
So
Harbor Market has instead become the place where micro-businesses, primarily those run out of the home, are gathering in downtown Benton Harbor. The market will be open from noon to 6 p.m. each Friday afternoon through October near Cafe Mosaic, 510 Main Street.
Thom Golba, the market organizer, says in the market’s first week of operation drew 29 vendors and 315 came to see what the vendors had for sale. "That’s not bad for our first week and considering the temperature was 90 degrees," Golba says.
He expects the number of patrons and vendors to keep growing as word of the afternoon event spreads. Planning for the market got under way in May. Organizers divided up the tasks that needed to be accomplished and were ready for the June 15 opening.
In its second week 39 vendors turned out and about 450 patrons checked out the goods for sale, although not as many were buying as were looking, Golba says.
"This is a place to support micro-businesses in the area one day a week," Golba says. "We never knew there were so many micro-businesses in this area."
What market organzies have found is many moms looking for extra money to help pay for things their children need like sports gear, athletic camps and music lessons are turning to tiny businesses to create an extra cash stream for the family.
Antique dealers, jewelry makers and handbag makers are some of the vendors who have been at the first two market days. Others take found items and remake them or take pieces of clothing and fashion them into children’s clothing. Another is an elderly woman who makes ice cream who is now selling ice cream and snow cones.
Young people also are testing their entrepreneurial skills. A 15-year-old is making bracelets for sale at the market and Golbas’ twin fifth graders are selling lemonade.
Golba says the location of the market is critical -- close to the Whirlpool offices with its 300 employees -- and workers and clients of the surrounding offices of the Department of Human Services and Social Security all are potential market goers.
"There are people who are doing all sorts of different things," Golba says. And giving them exposure at the market and encouraging people to get to the know the vendors is "good for the community."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Thom Golba, Harbor Market
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