The 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton, will extended its hours to include Fridays starting Nov. 26. The 2nd Street Market will be open Fridays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Featuring fresh, local food; pantry staples; and hand-crafted items, the Market offers a one-stop shopping experience where visitors can grab lunch and shop for groceries and gifts.
“With the potential challenges many stores face this holiday season in terms of supply chain issues and longer shipping times, we’re lucky to offer many items that are locally grown, sourced and crafted,” said 2nd Street Market Manager Lynda Suda. “You’ll find one-of-a-kind gift items and fresh, locally grown food. Additionally, when you shop at the Market, you’re supporting small business owners, which keeps your dollars in our local economy.
Along with the addition of Friday hours, the Market will offer special shopping days, workshops and events throughout the holiday season.
The Market will be open the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Nov. 24, from 11 am to 3 pm for its annual Stock Up Wednesday event. During Stock Up Wednesday, visitors can grab recipe essentials, prepared foods and more before the holiday. Additionally, the Market will be open on New Year’s Day, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Special shopping days and additional hours give shoppers the chance to pick up holiday meal essentials — most of them locally produced — as well as flowers, wreaths and prepared foods. Offerings include:
- Fresh, local fare: Locally grown produce, artisan bread, prepared desserts, and local meat and dairy
- Specialty food items: Jams, salsas, teas, jellies, candy and chocolate
- Holiday décor: Flowers, ornaments and handmade holiday items
- Artisan gifts: Jewelry, candles, art glass, body care and more
Those looking for gifts can also purchase Market Money, allowing the recipient to shop at any Market vendor.
Special events, workshops and more
Those looking for a festive family outing, DIY gifts and more can visit the Market during one of many special occasions this season. The Market’s vendors also will make an appearance at the nearby MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., most Saturdays in December.
- Artisan Night: Visit the Market on Thursday, Dec. 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm for an evening of live music and holiday shopping.
- Vendor Workshops: From creating glass ornaments to perfecting cookie decorations, the Market’s vendors will offer workshops during which participants get hands on and take away DYI creations. Learn more.
- Holiday Mini Market at RiverScape MetroPark: Start your day by at the MetroParks Ice Rink then shop from some of the Market’s vendors in the Kettering Health warming tent. The rink also will offer concessions from the Market’s vendors at the RiverScape Café. Treats will be available on select Saturdays and Sundays while supplies last. Learn more.
Equitable Eats
Homefull, a local nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness, will be at the Market Fridays through Sundays providing SNAP tokens to those who utilize EBT/SNAP benefits. More than 20 vendors accept SNAP tokens. Additionally, those who qualify for EBT/SNAP can use Produce Perks, a matching program that reimburses up to $20 for those who use their benefits on fresh produce.
The 2nd Street Market is home to more than 50 small business vendors and will continue to add more throughout the season, including Abbi’s Baked Goods, Tinka’s Treats, Frost Me, Beautiful, Mrs. Ernestine’s Pound Cakes and the Scrumptious Dessert.
Homestyle Thai Bistro and I Heart Ice Cream just recently opened inside the Market.
Some vendors from the outdoor Market have moved inside for the winter season, such as C & A Woodworking, Speakeasy Treats, Earth Empress and Eze Foods. Harry’s Ole’d Country Orchard, Mike Creek Farm and Guided by Mushrooms will sell produce indoors through most of the holiday season.
Conservation Mission
By providing the community access to fresh, local food – which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment – the Market supports Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shoppers’ carbon footprint.
In accordance with MetroParks’ COVID-19 policies, face coverings are required inside the 2nd Street Market regardless of vaccination status. Learn more about the 2nd Street Market at www.metroparks.org/localfood.
