Dalton: First Downtown Saturday Market draws interest

DALTON, Ga. — Despite a few last-minute no-shows, the city’s first Downtown Dalton Saturday Market drew about a dozen vendors Saturday.

But more importantly, it lured a steady flow of foot traffic to a district that many residents say desperately needs attention.

“This is something we’ve been needing for a long time,” said downtown business owner Thom Bryson.

The Downtown Dalton Development Authority — which in the past has been criticized for not bringing more events downtown — organized the event. The DDDA’s new marketing director, Veronica French, spearheaded the market.

Initially, about 20 vendors signed up, but several canceled at the last minute. Still, Ms. French said, “All of the vendors that were there had some of their best sales days ever, including me. We’ve never sold so much.”

There was wide variety. Four-year-old Joy Verhoeff squeezed fresh lemonade, and massage therapist Hollie Cope demonstrated neuromuscular techniques.

And the visitors to the market mingled along King Street, enjoying the sunshine.

“I think it’s a real nice thing for downtown,” said Alderman George Sadosuk, who chatted outside with Mayor David Pennington on Saturday. “It gives old people like myself something to do.”

Thomas Friedheim, who owns Planet of the Grapes wine shop and bar, said several passers-by peeked into his business. “We’re delighted to see them start” the market, he said, “and we look forward to it building.”

One glaring absence Saturday was produce.

Not many vegetables or fruits are now in season locally, Ms. French said, to the disappointment of several shoppers in search of tomatoes. She hopes to please produce seekers soon.

Farmers within a 40-mile radius are welcome to come, and local gardeners can hawk their own veggies.

“They don’t have to be a professional farmer,” she said. “The big rule is that it has to be handmade or grown or gathered by the vendor or a partner in craft, or the immediate family. It’s not a flea market.”