Two Mingle On The Square Markets Left In 2024, Plans To Return In 2025

By LYDIA BERLGAR
News Editor

The first year of monthly Mingle on the Square events is drawing to a close, with two events left: October 5 and November 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pleased with the way the markets have been going, the organizers are already thinking ahead to 2025.

The four local women behind Mingle on the Square (who are also vendors, crafters, and small business owners) are Haley Bearden (Sweet Tees), Misty Moon (MoonPieces), Makayla Marshall (Scentsy), and Chelsea Johnson (The Chelsea Collection).

When asked how the monthly markets have been from their perspective, Moon reported, “It has been a lot of work each month but worth it each time to see something bringing the community together and giving people something to look forward to. We have had a lot of positive feedback from our vendors who have said it’s one of the most organized events they’ve participated in, so I guess all that hard work has paid off, thankfully. It’s been encouraging to see friends and family meet up and hang out to get food together or just catch up with one another.”

From talk around town and social media traffic, it seems that the community has also enjoyed the events. Moon added, “The whole goal was to give local artists/crafters/small businesses a chance to showcase their items, and we’ve heard many people say they didn’t realize how many talented people we have in the area.”

April was the first ever Mingle on the Square, and over this spring and summer, the team made adjustments as needed. Some aspects of planning became streamlined, but Moon reported that the first few months were stressful. “I don’t think people realize the amount of paperwork and organization that goes into putting even a small event like this on each month because most of it happens behind the scenes.”

The organizers themselves cover costs for things like banners and advertising, live music, special guests (like an upcoming appearance from Santa), and they ask vendors to consider donating for these expenses. Thankfully, the square is free to use with reservations made through the county government offices.

The team said that the most significant thing they’ve learned is how wonderful the local community is. Moon said, “We’ve had support from the Dade County Sheriff’s Office each month with blocking off the area the night before and making sure all vehicles are moved out of the parking spaces, along with the trustees helping with loading/unloading and general up-keep of the grounds. This is a big component in making the event successful each month. We appreciate the Dade County Sentinel in helping to promote the event along with the Alliance for Dade and others who keep the chatter going about the event.”

The team plans to make one major change next year: taking a break in the hot months of July and August. Moon explained, “July is a big vacation month, not to mention Trenton already has a large community event (the 1945 Fair) that many of our vendors participate in. It’s a lot to do that event plus Mingle within a few days of one another. August is the back-to-school month, and many of our regular vendors are parents and busy with preparing for the school year and people are shopping for school supplies and clothes.”

The organizers have food trucks lined up for October and November, but they are always looking for more Georgia licensed back-up food trucks. Moon explained, “Things happen and sometimes our scheduled vendors have to back out at the last minute. We would also like to get a list started for next year. Food vendors can email Chelsea at minglefoodvendors@outlook.com.”

As mentioned at the March City of Trenton meeting, finding food vendors for events in Dade County can be tricky. Bearden and Johnson explained that this year, they limited vendors to those with Georgia licenses due to the somewhat complicated and expensive health department process for non-Georgia licensed vendors.

Bearden and Johnson said they would love for Mingle to be sponsored by the county (in a similar vein to how the 1945 Fair is sponsored by the city) so that the process for vendors is easier. However, fresh produce stands do not have to be licensed through the health department (as long as the produce isn’t cut or cooked at the event), so some Mingle vendors have sold produce at the markets.

The organizers are also looking for musical artists/bands with all original songs. Inquiries can be sent to minglemusic@outlook.com.

September’s market featured some first time Mingle vendors, including Sisters in Spirit at Rising Fawn Baptist Church (selling homemade bath salts and cards) and Joel and Jessica Bowman (selling handmade leather accessories).

Others had set up at multiple Mingles, including Mary Kay consultant and resin jewelry maker Caitline Stone, mother/daughter team R and R Creations (Rachel and Riley Kate Wooten), and Gary and Darlene Gregory (selling woodworking pieces and pillows). Darlene said, “The best part of Mingle on the Square is meeting people in the community.”

September’s Mingle also featured an autumn-decorated photo booth by Ruby Gail Photography, offering quick, affordable photo shoots.

At the October Mingle, vendors will dress up and have candy to pass out, and guests are invited to dress up as well. Nick Bowden (a Dade County High School graduate now based out of Atlanta) will be playing live music from noon-1 p.m. at the event.

With the November Mingle being the last one of the year, it will be a Christmas themed “Jingle on the Square.” Moon said, “We are asking vendors to decorate their booths Christmas themed, and we may have a special guest from the North Pole, if all goes as planned.” After that, shoppers and vendors can look forward to the monthly market returning come April 2025.