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Contributed photo/Troy Boroff will provide a chainsaw carving demo.
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
SHELBY — The Shelby Marketplace will have a grand opening Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the gym at the Shelby Public Schools Early Childhood Center, 155 Sixth St.
The monthly marketplace is like a farmer’s market during the non-summer months, said Shelby Village Administrator Phil Morse. It will offer vendors, family entertainment, live demonstrations, animal rescue organizations and non-profit fundraisers.
Contributed photo/Puppets of Praise will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“It was created to be much more than a place to shop. We want it to be a place where our community comes together,” said volunteer Marketplace Coordinator Jan Gawlitza, who came up with the idea. “It has evolved.”
“It’s a community event, and it will be entertaining,” said Gawlitza. “I want people to come in and see what’s going on—not just to shop.”
“One of the things that will make the marketplace so special is our commitment to local nonprofit organizations. Each month, we will feature two nonprofits—one organization serving people and needs within our community and another dedicated to helping, rescuing or rehoming animals and birds.”
The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office will join upcoming marketplace events with demonstrations featuring its K9 unit, drones and other equipment.
The grand opening, Sept. 12, will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Troy Boroff will provide a chainsaw carving demo; Puppets of Praise will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; the Shelby Middle School cheerleaders will have a fundraiser bake sale; and Wings and Things Rescue and Rehab will bring parrots and chinchillas looking for homes. More than 20 vendors are scheduled.
In October, The Ladder Community Center and Paws for a Cause will be featured. In November, the Oceana County Goodfellows/Newsies will be on hand with a pig roast raffle fundraiser.
The indoor marketplace will take place one Saturday per month from September through May, generally the first Saturday of the month.
Contributed photo/Wings and Things Rescue and Rehab will bring parrots and chinchillas looking for homes.
Shelby Marketplace dates for 2026-27: Sept. 12, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 12, (no January Marketplace), Feb. 6, March 6, April 3 and May 1.
To request vendor information and an application, email TheShelbyMarketplace@gmail.com. Booth fees are $15 per month if you commit to the full season or $20 per month for month-to-month participation.
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