Being creative is a three step process. First, think of something you can make; second, make it; and third, find a place to sell it so you can gauge public reaction and make more of them.
And the new Claiborne Place Makers Market near Covington is just that, a place that displays a wide variety of artwork, handicrafts, oils, lotions, and, of course, good things to eat.
A dozen or so vendors populate the market each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and their number is growing as more people hear about the venture. It all started with a bonsai tree display a few months ago, and now has leathercrafts, woodworking puzzles, tie-dyed shirts (and facemasks), tamales, lemonade, and more.
Here are some photographs from this morning's offerings:
The market is located in the Claiborne Hill shopping center parking lot where the old Citizens Bank drive through is located, adjacent to the Harbor Freight Tools parking lot. It's open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click on the images to make them larger.
Breads, baked goods, and jewelry
It started when his daughter suggested the new market locate in the Claiborne Hill parking lot. She was working for the owner of the location, so her dad and the owner got together and worked out the details. Some of the vendors used to be part of the Abita Springs Farmers Market.
They put in an electrical connection, and future plans call for a night-time market on Saturday nights. He's hoping to get a big car show on Saturday nights, the kind they used to have in Covington. Plus a band or a DJ. "A place where people can relax and have a good time," he said. The parking lot is well lit already, so the Saturday evening event is moving forward.
It will be an opportunity for folks to come out, enjoy the music and food, give them "something to do," and support local businesses at the same time. "People need to get out and enjoy life, support local businesses, sticking together instead of bickering over politics," he concluded.
A real plus for the location is its proximity to Tammany Trace bicycle trail. "We're pulling in people coming down the Trace, looking for something cool to drink and enjoying looking at all the stuff," he said. Crawford is even planning to put in a few picnic tables for cyclists and visitors.
Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TCPMM00/ and a new website is currently in production.
Also of interest going on in the area are "food truck events," organized by the good folks at Creole Tomateaux down in Mandeville. Those would include birthday bashes, Baptisms, Graduations, Weddings, Showers, Anniversaries, Festivals, Reunions, Grand Openings, and special holiday celebrations.
Note: After I took the first few pictures of people with their masks on, I asked the rest of them to take their masks down for a few seconds while I took their pictures.
