The Summer Market Finds New Home in The International City

Lorain community welcomes event, organizers to Black River Landing

by Kelsey Leyva

Curated collectibles, handmade must-haves, a fresh farmers market, and cheese-covered lobster tots were just some of the highlights from The Summer Market this year at Black River Landing on July 18 and 19.

For the first time in Lorain, this one-of-a-kind outdoor shopping experience filled the festival grounds with a variety of merchandise and food vendors. After spending 14 years in Avon Lake, Ohio, a recent partnership between Lorain Port Authority and the nonprofit Girls Give Back made this move to The International City possible.

The Summer Market 2020—Black River Landing, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Jen Navarro

In addition to navigating a new site, organizer Erin Stack and her crew were forced to switch gears earlier this year when the coronavirus pandemic shut down the state and added a plethora of new regulations for them to consider. Stack said due to the uncertainty, planning and promoting weren't able to go full force until about six weeks out from the event.

"Everything was against us that weekend," said Stack. "The weather, the pandemic. The cards were stacked against us, but in the end, it was just perfect."

The Summer Market 2020—Black River Landing, Lorain, Ohio

The sunny scorcher of a weekend presented temperatures in the 90s on both Saturday and Sunday.

Guidelines related to the pandemic, such as social distancing, also led to fewer vendors. Still, Stack said that it didn't take away from the positive experiences shared by customers and merchants alike.

The Summer Market 2020—Black River Landing, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Jen Navarro

"People loved the spaciousness of the location," she said, noting the event had outgrown Veterans Memorial Park in Avon Lake. "The customers definitely liked the ability to breathe a little bit while they were shopping."

Stack said vendors loved that the site allowed for easy setup, and they appreciated the opportunity to participate as many other similar events have been canceled this season. The Summer Market organizers worked very closely with Lorain County Public Health leading up to the weekend as safety was a top priority.

"I was really impressed with both the customers and the vendors," Stack said. "Everybody was so respectful. There were no incidents. Everybody kept their distance and were great."

New this year to the event were the farmers market and two cocktail bars cleverly called the "Docktail Bar" and "Upper Deck."

The Summer Market 2020—Black River Landing, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Jen Navarro

Stack said the activity on the water, such as boating and paddle boarding, provided the perfect backdrop for their event.

Although they weren't able to reach their goal this year as far as funds raised, partial donations have already been made to Blessing House, ACES, and a local family in need. ACES, Achievement through Community Education and Support, is led by Mike Ferrer and offers Lorain High School students guidance and opportunities to get involved in the community.

"They were amazing," Stack said of the students who spent the weekend parking cars, helping vendors, and picking up trash. "Those kids were so kind, smiling all the time and so willing to help. They were a perfect match for our event."

The Summer Market 2020—Black River Lane, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Jen Navarro

Stack said she is grateful for the outpouring of support she received from the Lorain community. Whether it ACES, the Lorain Fire Department, or the local media outlets, Stack said everyone was great to work with.

"Every single person in Lorain welcomed us with open arms," she said.

Looking ahead to the future, next year's plans for The Summer Market are to be determined as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, but continuing the partnership is a no brainer for the Lorain Port Authority.

"We were very happy with how The Summer Market went in year one here at Black River Landing," said Port Authority Executive Director, Tom Brown. "Erin and her team delivered a wonderful shopping experience that provided somewhat of an escape during a difficult summer season. We look forward to working with The Summer Market to plan for 2021 and look to build a long-lasting partnership that cultivates a premier annual event that everyone can look forward to."

The Summer Market 2020—Black River Landing, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Jen Navarro