Open Air Market offers fun in the sun

GENOA – Helen Dubovik, 50, was not shopping for anything in particular on Saturday, when she roamed over to Genoa's first Open Air Market of the warm weather season.

"I just thought I'd stop by," the Kingston resident said. "It looked like they had a lot of vendors."

Saturday's market is one of six that will be held during the upcoming months. More than 20 vendors – selling an array of items including food, jewelry and flowers – set up shop in an empty parking lot in downtown Genoa.

"This gives everybody in town a chance to sell things and buy things," said Gordon Jones, who is on the board of directors for Genoa Main Street Inc., which coordinates the Open Air Market. "Plus, it brings people into the downtown and all the businesses benefit."

Jr. Bartels, 74, of Genoa, was among vendors on Saturday. He was enjoying the sunny, warm weather while seated in a chair behind his table of handmade, western-style wall hangings.

"I come for the open air, and that's that," he said with a smile. "It's a nice day, and you meet a lot of people. If you're lucky, you might even sell a few things."

Independent jewelry vendor Jamie Gascoigne, 47, also enjoys spending time outdoors. She appreciates how much Genoa's Open Air Market has grown and evolved over the years, without losing its quaintness.

"I just love the charm of it all," Gascoigne said, noting that she has been a vendor at the market since it started a few years ago. "The people are so great, and you just can't beat it."

Many who were visiting the market on Saturday made the trip a family outing. Genoa resident Christine Sabedra, her mother, two daughters and sister were found wandering around the booths and tables together.

"My mom is in town from Arizona, so we like to do a lot of fun things outside with her," Sabedra said. "It's a nice day, so this was the perfect choice."

If You Go

Open Air Markets will be held June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 in downtown Genoa. For more information, contact Genoa Main Street Inc. at 815-784-6961.