Vernon Park’s Fall Bazaar proves a success — for the 14th time

Ninety-four vendors filled the walkways of Vernon Park last Saturday, October 18, turning what’s usually a scene of green into a colorful kaleidoscope of offerings, centering local connectivity and commerce.

“It provides opportunities for neighbors to connect with each other and exchange some information, material things, find some treasures, and have experiences in the park that belong to everyone,” said Friends of Vernon Park (FOVP) steward, Angela Miles.

FOVP steward Angela Miles on duty this past Saturday. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

FOVP steward Felicia Coward holding a “Resist Dictatorship” sign, made at the sign-making table at the Bazaar for anyone heading to one of few “No Kings” protests in the city. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

But what is it? FOVP’s Fall Bazaar and Flea Market, of course! It’s a yearly tradition, having only missed two years, that’s been happening since 2012, and Saturday’s was their 14th.

“We feel really proud that this is something that’s become an institution in our community, and that year after year, vendors come back and neighbors come back,” Miles said.

What would a neighbor typically find at the annual bazaar? Honestly, you could let your imagination run wild.

On the 18th, some stumbled across a neighbor selling crystals that contain energies for different purposes. Others bought handmade soaps and whipped butters to keep their skin and hair as flawless as that one 2013 hit. And some left with information about approaching SNAP issues or home heating assistance.

Scenes of attendees gathering in the middle of the roundabout on the Greene St. side of the park. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

Scenes of neighbors buying and interacting. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

Scenes of vendors awaiting the company of attendees. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

But most left with at least one conversation, bringing them one step closer to community. And that’s the most essential part, Miles shared.

Crystal Brunson, a nearby neighbor on McCallum St. for 38 years, carried that same spirit as she made her way through the park-wide exchange. She showed up not knowing what she’d find, but left with things for her cat, some cookies, and candy.

And she also got to see her friends, which was unplanned. She said events like the Bazaar are reasons she loves Germantown.

Everyone knows each other — we know the children… the dogs… the older people. When you come out, in Germantown, if you don’t feel good about yourself, I don’t know what’s going on!

And it’s a massive point of connection for the neighborhood; the six-hour market is beneficial for vendors, who typically operate their businesses at smaller levels.

That’s definitely the case for Lisa Beckles, who was out vending freshly made loaves of pound cake, alongside the recipe originator — her mother, Mona Gilbert, who wasn’t there to tote cake, but rather her own hand-sewed and embroidered pieces.

“Unfortunately, I was a part of the 300,000 Black women that got laid off since June,” Beckles shared.

But, she says running the cake business has been going pretty well and that events like Vernon Park’s are great supports for business owners operating on a small scale.

“This is how a lot of people get known,” Gilbert agreed with her daughter. “A lot of people don’t know about different things until they come to things like this.”

Beckles’ lemon-flavored pound cake. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

(L-R) Mona Gilbert and Lisa Beckles at the Vernon Park Bazaar & Flea Market. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

Some of Gilbert’s embroidered and sewn pieces. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

Vendors were only charged $12 for their space, Miles shared, to keep it as accessible as possible.

The fee benefits the park, as funds are put towards permits and uses for the park, including Saturday’s DJ Varsity, who kept neighbors in good spirits as they occasionally danced to classics like “The Electric Slide,” while making way for new generational hits, ensuring all to have “Boots on the Ground.”

Bazaar goers dancing to viral hit “Boots on the Ground.” (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)

The Germantown Info Hub asked Miles if there were any special plans for next year’s event, marking a 15-time milestone. While she couldn’t be too sure too early, she encourages neighbors to come out to a third Monday meeting with the Friends group and begin sharing some ideas.

Following the event, Miles sends a thank-you note to all who participated and made Saturday’s bazaar a success. She especially uplifts the collaborative nature of Germantown, calling it “really special.”

“Shoutout to the past, future, and present. It’s really a unique and beautiful thing in our neighborhood.”

The Friends of Vernon Park meet every third Monday of the month, sometimes in person and sometimes by Zoom. Their next two dates (Nov. 17 and Dec. 15) will be held using the latter. Check out their website and follow them on Facebook & Instagram to stay up-to-date on their progress.