Vendors, Markets, Patrons Brave Wednesday Rain for Downtown Chowdown and Pop Up Market

By Kris Norton

Jasper – Through off and on showers, the Jasper Downtown Chowdown and Pop Up Market went on as planned Wednesday night.

Rain or shine, vendors are happy to line the square and serve the community, says Wood Capital Pizza’s Jamie Jahn.

“We love it, we love the people that it brings to downtown, there’s so many people,” Jahn said. “It’s a fun event and it’s great for the whole family. There’s lots of delicious food.”

In their first year participating in Downtown Chowdown, Wood Capital Pizza joined ten other local and regional vendors lining the downtown square.

Out of the elements, inside the Sternberg’s building, the Heart of Jasper’s Pop Up Market attracted ten local vendors – showcasing everything from pottery to cotton candy.

1 Oak Up, selling one-of-a-kind upcycled jewelry and accessories fashioned from repurposed leather and metals, was one of those businesses.

1 Oak Up Owner Kelly Maher praised the diversity and selection within the market.

“It’s really nice, there’s all kinds of different things – pottery, there’s bottles that are decorated, signs, the cotton candy is really good,” Maher said. “I’ve already purchased stuff from many of the vendors.”

While the Downtown Chowdown and Pop Up Market may be the featured attractions on certain nights, the local permanent businesses on the square aren’t feeling left out.

“We are absolutely packed until at least until 8 o’clock every time Downtown Chowdown happens,” said Choc Bliss’s Chloe Rohlman. “The square is packed with people, I know the local people around here really try to support their small-town businesses.”

The next Pop Up Market is scheduled for June 19th between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The next Downtown Chowdown will occur July 14th.