On Saturday, October 7th, Mont Belvieu residents and visitors will have their monthly date with local entrepreneurship, fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and community bonding at Mont Belvieu’s Monthly Market at the Park, a beloved recurring event. The market takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Mont Belvieu City Park and ensures a delightful experience for all that attend.
With over 75 vendors expected to participate, this market offers an array of products and activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The primary objective is to provide local entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Mont Belvieu with a platform to showcase their goods and services while offering the community access to fresh products and handcrafted items.
For those who appreciate farm-fresh food and local products, this market is especially for them. Visitors can delight their taste buds with grass-fed beef, gourmet mushrooms, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and more, all sourced from local farms and producers. You can also find a variety of fresh eggs, spices, dips, and even elderberry syrups and kits.
The Prickly Pear Meat Company, ran by Chris and Kristin Caninenberg, specializes in producing and providing quality, dry-aged Brahman beef as well as pork from Texas producers. The company offers all kinds of retail cuts and bundles as well as bulk beef, including half and whole calves.
“We work to maintain a quality product at a reasonable price point that is comparable to big box stores,” Prickly Pear Meat Company said, “but what sets us apart is the fact that you get to talk [directly] to the producer and have extra peace of mind in know exactly where your meat is coming from.”
However, the market is not just about food; it’s also a shopping haven for an extensive selection of goods. Handmade baby clothing, distressed jean jackets, and custom-made accessories are just a small portion among the products available.
Los Hammocks, a business run by Marianne Turcios and her husband, Fabricio, currently sells handcrafted hammocks, beach bags, and kitchen textiles (such as tablecloths, runners, and kitchen towels) from El Salvador in addition to handwoven bags from Mexico. Fabricio is originally from El Salvador and connected with local artisans, whose items Los Hammocks sell to showcase their craft while also helping to support their families.
“The market is a great place to grab a cup of coffee or lemonade and wander around while supporting local small businesses,” Los Hammocks said. “The vendors offer unique and original items. It is also a good way to get a little walk and enjoy the park.”
Attendees can also indulge themselves with unique soaks, soaps, lotions, and oils, all meticulously crafted by local artisans. They can also beautify their living spaces with handcrafted stainless wind chimes, paintings, wooden home décor, and macramé art, or elevate their style with handcrafted polymer clay jewelry, crystal beaded bracelets, custom earrings, and more.
“It has become a tradition almost every weekend to go to a random farmers market, and the favorite of my family continues to be the Mont Belvieu Farmers Market,” senior Elena Bub said, “I used to go to the Farmer’s Market to buy presents for my sister, and she would be so happy whenever I came home with a handcrafted bookmark or specially designed bracelet.”
Pet owners can also treat their furry friends with human-grade dog treats and stylish pet accessories. The market’s offerings extend to tea blends, scrunchies, challenge coins, crochet dolls, and many more charming items.
“The items you will find at the farmer’s market are very intricate and unique,” junior Joseph Baumgarner said. “You can tell that these products are made from love.”
This October, Mont Belvieu’s Monthly Market at the Park will take on an additional charitable dimension. Vendors are going pink to support the Breast Cancer Walk-A-Thon, with those selling pink items contributing a portion of their proceeds to the cancer fund, directly supporting local fights against cancer in the community.
“We will be donating five percent of our gross sales Saturday,” Prickly Pear Meat Company said. “Cancer is something that has directly touched our lives and if we can help someone else in their time of need, we are honored to do so.”
This market is an embodiment of Mont Belvieu’s strong community spirit. It provides a platform for residents to connect with local businesses, fostering a sense of togetherness and support for small businesses.
“The market has a wonderful family feel,” Las Hammocks said. “It’s fun to see the community come out to support the businesses or just stop by to say ‘hi’.”
So, why should you mark your calendar for the first Saturday of each month? It’s an opportunity to support local businesses, savor fresh, high-quality products, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mont Belvieu’s community spirit. Mont Belvieu’s Monthly Market at the Park is not just a market; it’s an experience that nourishes both your senses and your community bonds.
“The people, customers, and vendors have been extremely pleasurable to be around, they make you feel welcomed,” Prickly Pear Meat Company said. “The City of Mont Belvieu’s Parks and Recreation Department has done a great job finding and booking quality vendors, which is part of what makes this market so successful.”
So, don’t miss the upcoming edition of Mont Belvieu’s Monthly Market at the Park on Saturday, October 7th, at the Mont Belvieu City Park located at 10900 Eagle Drive, Mont Belvieu, TX 77580. Whether you’re a local returning resident or a visitor, it’s an event worth attending for!
