‘A collective experience’

This weekend, those with a penchant for modern, handcrafted home decor and accessories, fresh cut flowers and plant starters, boutique clothing, antiquities and vintage collectibles, live entertainment and food will find it all 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday in Uptown Creston at Market on Maple.

“I think it’s exciting that we’re having all these local artists, vintage wares, boutiques coming down, but we’re having people travel, too,” said Jill Hoaksion, one of the event’s coordinators. “We’re having so many individuals wanting to show their craft, their skill, their business.”

Hoakison said nearly 50 participating businesses with a focus on home goods, art, fashion and botanicals are participating in the event, which will span two blocks of North Maple and a portion of West Montgomery streets.

“It’s pretty phenomenal,” she said. “Market on Maple is not only to celebrate our local artists, but we’re bringing people down from other areas. This is not only a modern market, but it’s ... something you may not necessarily find in the area.”

Hoakison said the event will feature a number of food vendors and food trucks, such as Appalachian Service Project’s funnel cakes, Little Green Trailer, The Snack Barn, Pinecrest Bakery, Nick’s Kettle Corn, Amorcito Bake Sweets (gluten-free).

Live entertainment will be provided by The Spotlight School of Dance and Isaac the Clown, who will be performing in the Kid Zone. Dan Trilk will perform 7 to 9 p.m. outside Hot Air Brewing.

Hoakison said a number of uptown businesses will also be offering promotions and encourages attendees to explore beyond the corridors of the main event to visit businesses along West Adams and North Elm streets, and others, as well.

“Not only were we wanting to bring different wares, products, boutique, vintage, homemade items to Creston as a collective experience, but we really wanted to highlight our local businesses uptown, too,” Hoakison said. “This is just an opportunity for individuals of all ages to come down and celebrate uptown.”

For a full list of participating businesses, artisans, entertainment, food and a printable map, visit https://www.unioncountyiowa.com/market-on-maple.