Updated March 12, 2025
Gift of Down Syndrome Event, New Market Vendors and Spring Programming
Gift of Down Syndrome Celebration at the Market
Join the Market during our weekend-long celebration, “The Gift of Down Syndrome.”
- Friday, March 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, March 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
World Down Syndrome Day, which coincides with our celebration, has focused their attention in 2025 around improving support systems for people with Down syndrome and their families.
We will be recognizing and celebrating the vibrant lives of people with Down syndrome in our community. Agencies such as Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Ohio Capabilities, Rachel & Friends Inc., We Care Arts, along with others, will be joining us throughout the weekend to provide information about their organization’s services, raise awareness and share resources for Down syndrome caregivers and allies.
The weekend event will feature live music from the mother and daughter duo Strings & Keys and a gallery installation by We Care Arts of visual artists with Down syndrome. Featured speakers from the Down syndrome community will close out the event at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Each weekend up until the event, the Market will have a community art project table set up with special mismatched sock coloring pages for folks to get creative for the event weekend. The Market will display the sock pages around the Market to raise awareness for Down syndrome. The inspiration for this community art project is from an international tradition called “Rock your Socks,” where people with Down syndrome and allies wear mismatched socks to highlight the unique genetics of having an extra copy of chromosome twenty-one, as these chromosomes resemble socks. You can also show your support by wearing your favorite mismatched socks over the weekend and tag us on the 2nd Street Market Facebook page to share your support.
New Permanent Vendors at the Market
The scRUMptious Dessert is a local, family-owned establishment specializing in gourmet rum cakes in a variety of sizes and flavors. Owner Gabrielle Little shares, “Our unique twist is infusing our cakes with real alcohol, which appeals to adults and businesses that appreciate the combination of sweet flavors with a hint of alcohol.” Their desserts exude sophistication, decadence and elegance, perfect for special occasions, celebrations, upscale gatherings, restaurant menus and more.
Netta’s Natural’s owner Netta Patrick offers a wide range of natural beauty products designed and handcrafted to elevate your self-care routine, soap, body wash, hair and face care, body butter & lotion, bath soaking salt and more. Netta creates her products using essential oils and botanicals to help to soothe the mind and body, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Add Netta’s bath fizzers to your bath routine to enhance the experience and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The Market also welcomes Nixxi & Co. Owner Nickelle Scott offers hand-crafted, non-toxic scented coco-apricot candles, soy wax melts, room/linen sprays, auto sprays and auto diffusers in a variety of signature and seasonal scents. Nixxi & Co. wax melts are a condensed formula, allowing multiple uses with minimal waste.
Early Spring Programs
Early spring season Market programming highlights include Music at the Market celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Jameson’s Folly and The Celtic Academy of Irish Dance on Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with the Celtic music traditions of Ballymote on Sunday, March 16, 12 to 2 p.m.
DIY Rain Barrel Collection Assembly Workshop is Sunday, March 16, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Ask the Gardner: Seed Starting on Friday, Mach 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Mushroom Foraging 101 is Sunday, March 30, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with mushroom expert Michael Goldstick of Guided by Mushrooms. Michael will share where to look and forage your own morel mushrooms this Spring. These delectable and elusive mushrooms are only available during fleeting time in the spring from mid-April until early May depending upon the weather.
Starting the month of April is Teatime at the Market with 2nd Street Market vendors The Wenches of Wormwood on Friday, April 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Owners Brandy and Jess will share several samples of their handcrafted herbal teas while they talk about and share recipes for alternative uses of tea as aids from sunburns to house cleaning solutions.
Co-hosting the EarthDayTON kick-off at the Market on Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the City of Dayton’s Sustainability Office, the Market welcomes several organizations sharing sustainability information and activities including The Food Bank, SOPEC, Waste Free Dayton, Environmental Justice Academy, Drive Electric Dayton, University of Dayton River Stewards, Solar United Neighbors, Montgomery County Solid Waste District/Master Recyclers, and Save Soil/Conscious Planet.
April event highlights also include the annual Carolyn Kimes Tree Seedling Give-Away on Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional Programming Dates:
- Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Let’s Talk Electric Vehicles
- Friday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Community Fitness at the Market
- Friday, March 21, 1 to 2 p.m.: Storytime at the Market
- Friday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Community Fitness at the Market
Music at the Market (for a list of musicians please follow the link):
- Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
SNAP/EBT Exchange
Many of the 2nd Street Market’s vendors accept SNAP/EBT benefits, in addition to Produce Perks. During normal operating hours, SNAP/EBT shoppers can exchange their benefits for tokens at the welcome wagon at the far west end of the building.
MetroParks Money
Support local businesses and discover new favorites at the 2nd Street Market with MetroParks Money. Makes a great gift for loved ones who love fresh, artisan goods.
