Vendors were offering everything from purses to puppies on Saturday at the Great American Market, which stretched along Commercial Street from Fourth to 10th avenues.
“This is my fourth trip to the car,” one woman said as she headed to a parking lot, toting bulging plastic bags in both hands.
Food booths again took prominent places along the route, with tacos, barbecue, Sno-Cones and other refreshments operated by for-profit and nonprofit groups alike. St. Catherine’s food stand had its usual half-block line of customers, while across the street a new group, Central Cristiano de Emporia, also cooked and sold Mexican food. Christian Motorcycling and ABATE offered cupcakes and other items.
The National Guard brought its climbing tower to entertain youngsters of all ages. Guardsmen operated the pulleys and harnesses that kept participants safe.
A variety of sports collectibles were displayed, including an entire booth devoted to items featuring NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer, a native Emporian.
One booth, with a Bible on a side table, offered a “free atheist test.” Another booth, “Titillating T’s” displayed an assortment of bumper stickers, body suits for babies and T-shirt decals, such as “Liberals love America like OJ loved Nicole.” Potentially offensive words were covered with taped-on paper.
A number of vendors set up booths to offer products they sell year-round, like cosmetics, lotions, health drinks and custom-made jewelry.
Rick Robidou, who operates Flint Hills Laser Expressions at Americus, was selling a variety of laser-made items, ranging from delicate wood decorations to engraved photographs on pet memorial stones.
A large tent covered what seemed to be a yard sale brought indoors; proceeds were pledged to the Greensburg Hospital Auxiliary Tornado Relief Fund.
Another booth held a selection of small items, including magic tricks, prankish products, sunglasses and both American and Confederate flags.
A car show, motorcycle show and the annual Chalkfest enhanced the market’s attraction.
Perhaps the most unusual display — and likely the most appealing to the crowd — were cages of animals from the H. Dale Buck Animal Welfare Fund.
The animals primarily have been given up by their owners for a variety of reasons and there is an unusually heavy demand for new owners. For more information, see www.buckfund.petfinder.com.