Inaugural ‘Coolidge Park Kickoff Market’ held on Oct. 1

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Local artists celebrated the first day of October outside in Coolidge Park on Sunday. 

An inaugural kickoff market was held at the park with many unique vendors lined up on the lawn. 

The ‘Coolidge Park kickoff Market’ was held for the first time on Oct. 1. 

Various vendors set up at the park Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Although it was a warm fall day, tourists and vendors still ventured outside to take advantage of the festival. 

One woman from San Rafael, California happened upon the market while she was in town visiting. 

“I’m so lucky to be here, I’m from California. I’m here for my husband’s high school reunion. So he’s off with the guys today, I’m doing a little thrifting and I saw these people walking down these steps and I’m like ‘Where is everyone going? Oh Coolidge Park. Wow, look at this there is this amazing little festival/market.’ So I just am having the best time shopping and I’ve found these amazing vendors. You really have it going on here!” Shanna Walker said.

An East Brainerd businessowner looks forward to events like this where she can display her unique jewelry and handmade items.

“The festivals and the markets are great. We have some great ones. It’s just a lot of fun and it’s a beautiful, beautiful day in Coolidge Park today,” Tracy Beamon with Mirth and Metal said.

A former local art teacher was also excited to set up for this inaugural festival and looks forward to more festivals to come.

“I love it because it’s an all-new crowd. There’s been a bunch of people who’ve never seen my work who have bought my work today, which is very exciting for an artist,” mixed media artist (Bo Peep’s Black Sheep Art) DB Reisen said. 

Reisen also addressed how people can support vendors and events like this.

“By coming to small business art fairs like this, and enjoying not only the food, and everything that there is to drink, seeing what all your local artists are doing before you spend your money like on Amazon.”

The event welcomed many on Sunday and vendors and guests alike look forward to seeing it progress.