Time flies! The 2026 market season has reached its midpoint.

by Kristen Stromski

How is it already August? My, how time flies when you’re having fun! August officially marks the halfway point of the market season, which runs from May to October. Important Note: Due to road construction, for the rest of this season, the Open Air Market is relocating to Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Stockbridge.

As we approach the market’s halfway milestone this year, we look back with an immense amount of gratitude and reflect on everything we have accomplished so far this year. The market has seen such growth in returning vendors, overall attendance, interactive kids’ events, and community partnerships. This has allowed us to watch families spend their Friday evenings together, reminding us exactly why this market is so important to our community. 

With reflection, we recognize that we truly would not be where we are today without all of our amazing vendors, sponsors, community members, and each team member who makes this event possible for our small town! The market is such a special place for enabling community connection, promoting local small businesses, and creating lasting memories.

The importance of sponsorship is tremendous to us here at the market, and we are deeply grateful for those who have supported us in any way this season. Their generosity has helped us provide free family activities, live entertainment, and a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy their Friday evenings in downtown Stockbridge. 

A special thank you goes out to:

• 5 Healthy Towns Foundation
• Brent’s Bugs
• CADL, Stockbridge Branch Library
• Greater Lansing Food Bank
• Friends of the Stockbridge Library
• L&B Equipment, LLC
• Mandy Urquhart, Realtor 
• Municipal Inspection Services
• SAESA Fire Department
• Stockbridge Area Arts Council
• Stockbridge Area Senior Center
• Stockbridge Community Outreach
• Stockbridge DDA
• Stockbridge Township
• SRSLY Stockbridge
• Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA)
• Trillium Gardens
• Two Men and a Truck
• Village of Stockbridge

Thank you for supporting our mission as we continue to create a welcoming place for our community. 

Community support is ultimately what brings us together here at the Open Air Market, and we are excited to continue the fun into the second half of the season. Whether you’re a loyal market supporter or you haven’t made it out yet this season, we invite you to stop by, shop local, and experience everything our community has to offer. Every purchase, market visit, and friendly conversation helps make our market thrive. 

We are looking forward to welcoming more vendors, community activities, and Friday evenings filled with shopping, entertainment, and time spent together as our market season continues.

All photos by Kristen Stromski. Collage by Stacey Glemser.