Our Story

Forty years ago, the Briar Patch Marketplace was born out of sheer necessity and a spark of inspiration. My daughters, bursting with excitement and talent, had just clinched a victory at regionals with their dance group. Their prize? An invitation to perform in the heart of New York City! The thrill of the Big Apple beckoned, but the challenge of funding the trip loomed large.

 

With nearly an acre of untapped potential right in our backyard, I had a lightbulb moment. Why not transform our space into something extraordinary? Thus, the Briar Patch Marketplace sprang to life. Our backyard became a bustling hub of creativity and community, all driven by the goal of getting those talented dancers to the bright lights of New York. And so, our adventure began!

 

Our backyard was abuzz with anticipation as we prepared for the Briar Patch Marketplace’s debut. About twenty vendors had eagerly booked their spots, and our setup began on a bright Thursday morning. Back then, we operated the market on Fridays and Saturdays, transforming our backyard into a bustling bazaar. To spread the word, we got creative with giant painted boxes as makeshift billboards, strategically anchored with rocks and bricks around the neighborhood.

 

Everything was falling into place, until a man appeared in our front yard, hammering “NO PARKING” signs into the ground. I rushed over, incredulous, “What are you doing?” He explained, with a shrug, that the city was set to resurface our street the next morning. Any cars left parked would be towed away at dawn.

 

Panic set in as I envisioned a marketplace with no customers. I explained our situation to the worker, but he had no authority to change the city’s plans. The day dragged on as I anxiously awaited a call from his supervisor. When it finally came, I pleaded our case. The supervisor agreed to start the work early on Friday to minimize disruption, but I still needed a plan for parking.

 

By nightfall, we had plastered signs up and down the street, directing our future patrons to safe parking spots. As dawn broke on Friday, our driveway was a scene of organized chaos: vendors finishing setting up, city workers bustling, and even a couple of police officers milling about. The street buzzed with the excitement of what was to come.

 

Despite the rocky start, the Briar Patch Marketplace turned into a triumph. A parade of customers, strollers in tow, filled our backyard. It was more than just a market—it was a celebration of community spirit and a testament to overcoming the odds. Our first show was a roaring success, setting the stage for many more to come!

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Every year our Briar Patch community grows and we love it. If you are interested in being part of Briar Patch as a vendor or customer check out our Facebook or give Jeannie a ring. 

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