SUWANNEE MARKETS
Suwannee Markets
By Hayli Zuccola
Part of the charm of any town— big or small— is seeing local makers, bakers and growers come together to bring a little extra life to downtown. In Live Oak, residents can find that community spirit every Saturday, with two markets offering everything from scratch-made treats and farmfresh favorites to other unique finds. Crafty Corner Market Kay Meyers started making car fresheners as a hobby and potential side venture while working from home. After taking her creations to local markets as a vendor, she began promoting her own business and soon found other vendors asking for help promoting theirs. As she built relationships throughout the local vendor community, people began encouraging her to put her creativity and promotional skills toward a market of her own.
In January, Meyers took the leap, obtaining a city permit to launch Crafty Corner Market at Millennium Park. The first market was held May 9, and the market now takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
The inaugural market received 150 vendor applications, and about 25 to 38 vendors participate each month. Shoppers can expect a different mix of offerings each time, from handmade earrings and pet-friendly treats to apothecary items, refreshments and other specialty goods. Despite“ crafty” being in the name, vendors aren’ t required to sell handmade products, although many do.
Meyers has also made the market about more than shopping. A kids’ corner offers free books to read or color, bubbles and other activities, while special events such as Christmas in July bingo, rock painting, duck hunts and giveaways give shoppers another reason to return. Markets held on national holidays often incorporate a corresponding theme. For National Pet Photo Day, for example, attendees were encouraged to bring their pets for a photo and a treat. On World Turtle Day, visitors who read an informational board about turtles received a glowin-the-dark resin turtle.
These extra touches are all part of Meyers’ effort to bring more foot traffic to Millennium Park while helping vendors gain exposure. During the summer, the market runs from 8 a. m. to noon, with cooler-weather hours shifting to 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. Live Oak Makers Market The Live Oak Makers Market has been bringing the community together even longer, with a focus on locally made goods and farm favorites. Depending on the week, shoppers might find seasonal soaps, jewelry, baked treats, scratch-made sourdough bagels and farm-grown staples.
Daniel“ Danny” Rodriguez was involved with the market in its
early days and began participating as a vendor in 2022, shortly after moving to the area in 2021. Through his Teal House Farmstead, he sells sustainably grown vegetables, eggs and milk when available. In January, Rodriguez took over organizing the Makers Market while maintaining its focus on supporting area makers, growers and producers.
Although he remains a vendor, much of Rodriguez’ s time is now spent organizing the market, which takes place on the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month. About a dozen vendors set up at Millennium Park, creating a rotating selection of bakery favorites, produce and an assortment of locally made products.
And for those who prefer to sleep in on Saturday mornings, there’ s no need to rush. The Makers Market takes place in the late afternoon, with summer hours from 4 to 8 p. m., making it an easy way to end the day while shopping small and supporting local businesses.
112 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2026-2027