By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Kristina Spitzner and other members of the Otsego Arts Council who helped organize the First Annual Otsego Artisan Market on Saturday, June 25, were, of course, hoping the endeavor would be a successful one.
They weren’t disappointed.
“We think it was a big success,” Spitzner said. “We were blown away with the community support and turnout of attendance for this, especially with it being our first event as such and the first event in the new pavilion.
“What a fun event it was to participate in on such a beautiful day by the river.”
The market ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new TOP Pavilion on the riverfront in downtown Otsego. Items available for purchase included paintings, jewelry, textiles and fiber arts, glassworks, pottery, home goods, ceramics and garden décor.
“We heard so much positive response on the day of the market,” Spitzner said. “It was wonderful.
“Many people said they loved the variety of artists we had participating; the live music added such a fun element and atmosphere; and some gourmet snacks made it extra sweet, too. Several people asked if we were going to offer it again next year or even twice a year perhaps.”
Customers weren’t the only ones singing the praises of the market, as the vendors also provided positive feedback.
“The vendors and artists really seemed to enjoy the day and several asked to be invited back next year,” Spitzner said. “For some of our artists, this was their first market. Others do several similar events a year. And we heard very positive feedback from both, with all seeming to have had a good experience.”
Spitzner said the TOP Pavilion played a big role in the success of the market.
“It’s the perfect place for such a market,” she said. “There was ample parking, easy access even for handicap needs and plenty of room for vendors and shoppers to spread out.”
Customers were also able to enjoy the park, the riverwalk and the Otsego Area Historical Museum, which is located adjacent to the TOP Pavilion and was open during the market.
“The pavilion provided wonderful shade with a cool breeze off of the river,” Spitnzer said. “It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day.”
Market organizers have already begun discussing next year’s Artisan Market, with the hopes of make it an annual event and growing it accordingly as time goes on.
“We will be sending a follow-up survey to our artists for feedback and ideas of how to improve this event in the future,” Spitzner said. “But overall, the market seemed to be a big hit and brought the community together for a beautiful, fun day and event in Otsego.”