Shop local at the Roscoe Makers Mercantile on Jun 21

A new outdoor market is making its debut in Roscoe this summer, bringing together local artisans, food trucks, music, and fun in a community-driven shopping experience. The Roscoe Makers Mercantile, organized by local business owner Katie Thompson, will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the corner of Bridge and Main, across from and behind Velvet Robot Coffee Lab.

The event will feature around 30 vendors, showcasing small businesses and independent makers selling handmade goods, boutique finds, home decor, and more. Visitors can shop, grab a bite from local food trucks, and enjoy music while supporting local businesses and spending time in the community.

“We have so many talented small businesses and makers in the area, but not always enough opportunities for them to showcase their work,” said Thompson, owner of Linkt Jewelry and the driving force behind the event. “That’s why I wanted to create something special - an event where the community can come together, shop local, and discover unique, handmade products.”

What to expect

The Roscoe Makers Mercantile will be split into two areas:

• The lot across from Velvet Robot Coffee, which will host about 20 vendors
• The soon-to-be-completed parking lot next to Linkt Jewelry will feature 10-15 additional vendors, food trucks, and live music.

So far, 23 vendors have signed up, and Thompson is still looking to add about 10 more before the event. She’s particularly interested in artisans who create handmade or vintage-inspired goods, such as unique clothing boutiques, home decor, baked goods, and specialty crafts.

Shoppers can expect to find a wide variety of items, including:

• Handmade jewelry
• Vintage home decor
• Custom leather-patched hats
• Vegan soaps and lotions
• Personalized tumblers
• Freehand-burned hats
• One-of-a-kind wreaths and centerpieces
• Children’s books
• Suncatchers and chimes
• Candles and more

“We really want this to be a space where local businesses can thrive, not just during the event but beyond it,” Thompson said. “It’s a great opportunity for vendors to gain exposure, connect with new customers, and build relationships that last.”

Bringing the community together

Thompson, who has been a business owner in Roscoe for two and a half years, said the response from the community has already been incredibly positive.

“People are excited, and vendors are already prepping for the event,” she said. “Now, our focus is getting the word out to shoppers. We’ll be putting up signs, sharing on social media, and making sure as many people as possible know about it.”

The Roscoe Makers Mercantile Facebook event page will be the go-to spot for updates. Thompson also plans to highlight participating vendors leading up to the event to give shoppers a sneak peek at what’s in store.

Interested in becoming a vendor?

For local makers interested in joining the event, vendor applications are still open. The application form, which includes pricing details and contact information, is available here or on the event page located in the bio.

Looking ahead

While this is the first Roscoe Makers Mercantile, Thompson hopes to make it an annual tradition, possibly expanding in future years.

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “We’re going to see how this one goes and go from there, but I would love to grow it into something even bigger for our community.”

For updates, follow the Roscoe Makers Mercantile Event on Facebook and Instagram.