Published November 8, 2022
Shop local and get hands-on at the 2nd Street Market this season
Heads up! This article was published 1 year ago.
The 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton, is home to 50 small business vendors that offer fresh, local food, pantry staples and hand-crafted items. The Market offers a one-stop shopping experience where visitors can grab lunch and shop for groceries and gifts.
The Market will be open the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for its annual Stock Up Wednesday event. During Stock Up Wednesday, visitors can grab recipe essentials, prepared foods and more before the holiday.
Artisan Night, Thursday, Dec. 15, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., also provides shoppers with expanded shopping hours. The evening will feature locally crafted and unique wares from the Market’s vendors, in addition to live holiday music, carolers and multiple mini workshops.
For last-minute essentials, the Market will be open from 9 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Saturday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve). The Market will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Special shopping days give shoppers the chance to pick up holiday meal essentials — most of them locally produced — as well as flowers, wreaths and prepared foods. Offerings include:
- Fresh, local fare: Locally grown produce, artisan bread, prepared desserts, and local meat and dairy
- Specialty food items: Jams, salsas, teas, jellies, candy and chocolate
- Holiday décor: Flowers, ornaments and handmade holiday items
- Artisan gifts: Jewelry, candles, art glass, body care and more
New this year, the Market has expanded its seasonal workshop, demonstration and special events offerings to include a number of hands-on and experiential opportunities, including the return of Breakfast with Santa and Upcycled Ice Skate Workshops.
Those looking for a festive family outing, DIY gifts and more can visit the Market during one of many special occasions this season. The Market’s vendors also will make an appearance at the nearby MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., most Saturdays in December.
- Unique shopping opportunities: From sipping locally made cider to shopping for native holiday trees, there are a number of special offerings at the Market on specific weekends.
- Vendor workshops and programs: Vendors share their expertise and invite visitors to get hands-on during a variety of crafts, cooking and baking events and demos. Learn more.
- Holiday Mini Market at RiverScape MetroPark: Start your day by at the MetroParks Ice Rink then shop from some of the Market’s vendors in the warming tent. The rink also will offer concessions from the Market’s vendors at the RiverScape Café. Treats will be available on select Saturdays and Sundays while supplies last. Holiday Mini Market dates include Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. Learn more.
Equitable Eats
Homefull, a local nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness, will be at the Market Fridays through Sundays providing SNAP tokens to those who utilize EBT/SNAP benefits. More than 20 vendors accept SNAP tokens. Additionally, those who qualify for EBT/SNAP can use Produce Perks, a matching program that reimburses up to $25 for those who use their benefits on fresh produce.
Conservation Mission
By providing the community access to fresh, local food – which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment – the Market supports Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shoppers’ carbon footprint.
The 2nd Street Market is also in need of volunteers to help greet and direct shoppers during the holiday season and year-round. Learn more about these opportunities at metroparks.org/volunteer.
Learn more about the 2nd Street Market, register for workshops at www.metroparks.org/localfood.
