Artwork, cookware, apparel fill downtown DeWitt market

Print More

The Bridge + Main Market hosted a lively Fall Outdoor Market on Oct. 8, attracting dozens of artists, designers, bakers and jewelers. The market is known to artisans across the state for a few reasons — the uniqueness of each booth, the support for small businesses and the kindness of the community.

Many businesses at the market were relatively new, starting in the early days of the pandemic. For example, Lady Wood Goods owner Nicole Rodgers said the lockdown gave her the time and opportunity to learn a new hobby: woodcutting. She sells handmade decor, kitchenware and more. This is her second year at the fall market, having been invited by a friend and fellow artisan. “Yeah, she told me all about it and how amazing it is here. It’s little, but every vendor is so different. And the community itself is so awesome,” said Rodgers.

Some other businesses, such as Udderly Simple, have been around for a couple years. Since 2016, Jim McClelland has been creating soaps and lotions from goat milk. After owning goats for a while, the family realized they were producing more milk than they could drink, and sought other ways to use it. “I mean, my daughters were in 4H all throughout school,” said McClelland. “We started doing research and learned that goat milk is one of the best things to put on your skin.”

On the sweeter side, Coco’s Confections sold Halloween baked goods. Courtney Gordon, an MSU alum and owner of Coco’s Confections, had nothing but good things to say about Bridge + Main and its owner, Jamie Tunney. “Jamie is just amazing. She vets and curates every vendor here, and they’re all just so nice. The small town community is really nice,” said Gordon.

Jamie hasn’t owned Bridge + Main for very long, but she’s building the DeWitt community. The markets she hosts attract businesses and consumers from all around the state. The final outdoor market of the year will be Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Comments are closed.