Cedars, October 2017

October 2017 12 OFF CAMPUS 2nd Street Market: A 15-year-old Dayton Tradition by Gabe Chester T he 2nd Street Market, located in downtown Dayton, features over 40 different vendors offering an array of fresh produce, bread, artisanal goods and cuisine from around the world. The market is celebrating its 15th year of business as the oldest public market in Dayton. It is open for business year-round on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 2nd Street Market presents a revitalizing com- mercial hub where shoppers can always expect something fresh and original. From hand-woven scarves to massage therapy, the 2nd Street Market operates as a European style marketplace packed with fresh and original goods for all ages. The market is a hub of artistic passion where vendors offer a wide array of goods. A major focal point is the food from around the world. There is a delightful mixture of aromas along the center aisle of the oblong freight house that houses the market. Vendors offer New Zealand cuisine, Thai cuisine, Mexican food and Hungarian cabbage rolls, to name a few. This stretch offers an excellent selection of lunch op- tions for hungry visitors seeking regional tastes. There are also food products from closer to home — visitors will see vendors selling fresh Ohio maple syrup, vegetables, pre- packaged pies, homegrown popcorn and baked goods. Many vendors see the market as their long-term store- front and main source of income. One such vendor is Hedy Riegle, who offers vintage-industrial handmade jewelry and home accessories. She established Hedy Riegle Studio in 2009, where customers can customize necklaces or buy them premade along with an assortment of bracelets, key rings and medallions. “I’ve always been making things and selling them since I can remember,” said Riegle. “When you’re doing what you love, you just flourish.” Riegle said the market sees about 5,000 people a week and is extremely busy on holidays. The market attracts roughly 370,000 people every year according to the Dayton Business Journal. “It’s nice to see downtown Dayton getting revitalized,” Riegle remarked. “It’s become a destination place, almost.” The market is also home to vendors who view it as a form of supplemental income. John Maxwell, owner of Harry’s Ole’d Country Orchard and Produce, sits under the awning of a white produce tent on the north end of the freight house just about every Sat- urday from June to October, when the 2nd Street Market offers outdoor space to vendors selling fresh produce. Max- well has owned his orchard for 27 years, retiring just eight years ago, which brought him to the 2nd Street Market four years ago to continue selling honey, garlic, peppers and to- matoes. Several of the market vendors have been making their crafts for years. Jon Graham is the well-traveled owner Photo by Gabe Chester The 2nd Street Market, located in a historic freight house in downtown Dayton, is home to dozens of local vendors who sell a variety of wares, from fresh produce and food to custom crafts.