The downtown underground market made its debut Feb. 14 in a new initiative spurred by the City of East Lansing to promote commerce and support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beth TwoStix, owner of Two Stix 5 Stones 
More businesses from the underground market. 
Patrons visiting spread out booths of businesses taking part in the underground market. 
Patrons in front of the “Dirty Paws Mixed Media” booth 
Bryan Zuzga of Grand Traverse Sauce Company and his remaining product after a successful day. 
Jennifer Rusnock of Jenny’s Sweets & Treats
“I didn’t really think that a lot of people would come because it’s so cold out,” said Jennifer Rusnock, owner of Jenny’s Sweets & Treats. “I didn’t know if people would be able to find us, being in the basement of a parking garage, but it seems like everything has worked out well and a lot of people have come.”
The market is one of six projects being undertaken by the city after meeting a $50,000 crowdfunded goal for the “Daytime. Nighttime. Anytime. Place” initiative. The project includes increased seating options around downtown with outdoor heaters in winter.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said customer Sarah Spohn. “I’m all for getting more outdoor dining opportunities and all that. It’s a great idea and it’s needed in the midst of COVID-19.”
The city intends to use the market to support local businesses while keeping customers and owners safe.
“The market was really fun,” said Spohn. “I think it’s a good idea for social distancing, and kind of keeping you out of the elements.”
Vendors and customers alike were surprised at how organizers were able to turn a parking garage into a makeshift farmers market with lights hanging around concrete beams, music, and a gathering space that will be open to customers once organizers determine it is safe.
“I was really impressed when I walked in,” said Bryan Zuzga of the Grand Traverse Sauce Company. “It was kind of a whole different vibe that you don’t normally see. It looked really neat with the lights and how they had everything set up and how it was all separated out.”
Organizers had their hands full making sure that vendors and customers were safe while also making the market an immersive experience. With extra precautions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, coordinators said they felt that the market’s debut was a success.
“I think with event planning you can never take it for granted that things are going to work out the way you intended,” said Karla Forrest-Hewitt, community events assistant & market manager for the city. “We had a good turnout, and the vendors were happy. If we measure it by those standards then yeah, it was a success.”
Many vendors were worried that the cold Michigan weather would diminish sales, but with the market being closed off, a few degrees difference and some determination from customers gave vendors a good chance to make profit.
“Being an East Lansing resident, I wanted to support my farmers market,” said Zuzga. “I thought, ‘you know, let’s go have some fun,’ and it was. It was cold, but it was doable.”
Dirty Paws Mixed Media artist Cat Weaver said, “I think the market has gone beautifully, actually. As cold as it is, I’m impressed with how many people showed up.”
With the next market coming Feb. 28, customers who showed up for the debut are looking forward to an even bigger – and hopefully warmer – market.
“I definitely will come back,” said shopper Miguel Pedraza. “Hopefully they have more variety and make it a little bit bigger.”
Spohn said, “I’m definitely going to come back. I’ll be excited when the dining areas are open and when all the outdoor benches and seating are able to be utilized.”
Zuzga said, “It’s a great experience. I think the word is going to get out and I think there will be more and more people that show up and have fun here.”
