Brighton Bazaar kicked off the start of their fall markets this past weekend with over 100 small businesses setting up shop at the Brighton Elk’s Lodge.
Tables lined every wall and hallway of the venue, providing something new to look at with every step. Shoppers moved their way through all the businesses, sure not to miss a single one, including the large number of vendors set up in the parking lot behind the building.
A DJ provided a soundtrack for the shoppers, setting the tone for the creative environment.
The market pulled in a big crowd. People of all ages brought their friends, family members, partners and even dogs to check out the various vendors. The array of goodies included art prints, handmade keychains and magnets, pottery, jewelry, vintage and upcycled clothing and many more. There were even food and drink vendors available for shoppers that worked up an appetite.
The venue welcomed both experienced vendors and brand new ones. Over the years they have accumulated some loyal artists that frequently sell their work at their markets.
“I’ve vended a lot with Brighton Bazaar. They’re great people,” said Micaela Klanchesser, the artist behind Cryptic Croc Wildlife.
Kelly Suprenant, another vendor, has been running her business, The Rainbow Rack, for over four years now. She says her business upcycling clothes has been a way for her to pursue her dreams of fashion design while also being sustainable and kind to the earth. When Suprenant is vending, she enjoys seeing all the different people that come through the market.
“It seems to be a place where people come to see and be seen in their awesome vintage fashion,” said Suprenant.
Amanda MacKimmie started her business, Amanda Jean Arts, in April. Her booth had a number of handpainted jewelry boxes, keychains and earrings. MacKimmie said her boyfriend was the one that encouraged her to create the business after she made him a box for their anniversary.
“We were sitting at a bar one night and he was like, ‘you know, there’s money in the boxes. You should start making those and selling them,’” said MacKimmie.
Going forward, she hopes to expand her business and hopefully attend larger markets in the area.
Whether it was someone’s first time attending a Brighton Bazaar market or they were a loyal customer, there was enough for everyone to enjoy.
Anna Martin and Joe Bernardo attended a market at this venue for the first time on Saturday. They even brought along their dog, Sophia, for the ride. Anna Martin mentioned that even though it was her first time at this market, she typically enjoys visiting thrifting and artisan markets. She came to browse and also find birthday gifts for some friends.
Martin was already holding a recently purchased vinyl, which Bernardo said was the main reason he wanted to come.
Abbey Wilson, on the other hand, is a frequent visitor of the Brighton Bazaar markets. She said she has lived in Allston for the past three years, so living in the area makes the markets very accessible for her.
“You get to see a lot of, you know, creative things that people do and make,” said Wilson.
One of her favorite things to shop for is the “funky jewelry,” particularly the work sold by GOODFORM Designs. She expressed that she likes a lot of that business’s things before showing off her recently purchased earrings.
Markets like this will continue to be hosted by Brighton Bazaar throughout the fall, as well as other possible weekend outings.
“People should come, and Brighton Bazaar does tons of different stuff. There’s a lot more of these days too,” said MacKimmie.
The pop-up market even added a new local live music show to their list of fall events. Those that are interested can stay updated on the event schedule through the Brighton Bazaar website or by following their Instagram: thebrightonbazaar.
