The Bradenton Public Market will reopen in early October for the new season, bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and a sense of community back to Old Main Street. One booth in particular has been drawing attention: the Youth Booth. Now heading into its third season, this creative initiative was the brainchild of Market Manager Heather Empsall.
“I wanted to include kids in the entrepreneurial process,” Empsall explains. “But there were obstacles like permits, licenses, and insurance that are prohibitive for youth.” With the help of the team at Realize Bradenton, she turned that challenge into an opportunity: a designated space where local young entrepreneurs can share their creations with the public, hassle-free.
The booth is on a rotating schedule, giving a new youth vendor the spotlight each week. After two successful seasons, excitement is building, with plenty of local kids applying for their chance to sell. The market provides the tent, table, and chairs; vendors simply decorate the booth to match their brand and stock it with their goods. Past booths have featured everything from carved wooden pens and handmade bath products to paintings and crocheted plushies. Empsall recalls two sisters, whose business is known as Knots and Needles, who sold out their entire stock of knitted plushies in one day. “The quality was top-notch. It was great to see them have such success.”
The program offers kids a real taste of what it takes to run a market booth. Just like the adult vendors, they fill out an application, sign a code of conduct, and complete a waiver. They’re encouraged to think through the entire selling process; from set-up to marketing, including submitting photos and writing their own blurbs for social media. The vendor community has been welcoming, offering tips and support along the way.
You can find the Youth Booth at the intersection of Old Main Street and 4th Avenue, right next to the information booth. Since the featured vendor changes weekly, you never know what unique treasures you’ll discover.
Interested in applying? Visit the Bradenton Public Market Facebook page. If you’d like to support the program through sponsorship or donations, email Karen at Realize Bradenton karen@realizebradenton.com. For market-related questions, contact Heather at market@realizebradenton.com.