The snow is gone, and that means one thing — it’s market season.
The team behind Live Love Shop Local, a group that hosts monthly markets to highlight small businesses and local vendors in Clarence-Rockland, has partnered with Jump Around Inflatables, a Rockland-based business, to launch the first annual Jump-A-Palooza Spring Fling on May 24 and 25. The event will be held at the soccer fields outside the Clarence-Rockland Arena.
The partnership was first formed last fall, when the two groups collaborated on a seasonal market.
“Any type of collaboration we can make benefits our community,” said Chantal Cleroux, who runs Live Love Shop Localalongside her sister-in-law, Stephanie Bellefeuille. “The market community is great. We help promote each other’s events, I reach out to other organizers, and we really bounce ideas off each other.”
Each market gives visitors a chance to discover local vendors and their original creations, while also enjoying activities for all ages. The markets also serve as fundraising opportunities for local non-profit organizations, while raising awareness for Rockland-based businesses.
The May market will support the Rockland Food Bank, which will also host a booth during the event.
Cleroux said about 30 vendors have already registered, and she hopes to attract at least 50. On average, 50 or more vendors participate in each market, though attendance often depends on the weather.
“With outdoor markets, we have more flexibility,” she said. “Vendors can do their own thing, we have more space, and we can set things up the way we want. Having markets indoors can be tricky depending on the space.”
Cleroux said she hopes to build more partnerships as Live Love Shop Local continues to grow and gain recognition.
“We’re going to be able to offer some fun events with Jump Around, and next year, we certainly plan to have events that are bigger and better,” she said. “Rockland is so family-oriented and family-centric, and our local businesses play a huge role in that.”
