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Organizers outline Memorial Day market plan; Granville Street closure planned, no public‑safety objections noted
Summary
Market organizers told the Parks and Rec Committee the long‑running Memorial Day market will close Granville Street (South Columbus to Vernon), vendors will set up the night before, inspections occur in the morning, and police, fire and services registered no red flags; organizers described fundraising and vendor fee structures.
Representatives of the Memorial Day market told the Sunbury City Parks and Recreation Committee April 2 that the market has a long local history and will use Granville Street, from South Columbus to Vernon, for the event. The presenters described a mix of makers, vintage vendors, food trucks and a kids’ zone.
“My name is Songrass. I'm the president of Big Walnut Eastern Merchant Visitors,” the first presenter said, and Laura Snodgrass, who chairs the market, added background about the market’s history and operations. The organizers said the market has operated for about 30 years except for COVID interruptions and has evolved from a flea market into a maker and vintage market with food trucks and children’s activities.
Organizers outlined logistics: the vendors and truck placement will be set the night before to allow food trucks access for inspection in the morning; inspections will be conducted before the event opens. The presenters said they had sought the city permit and were appearing to “put a face to the name” and to check for any issues; committee staff reported “no red flags from the police, fire [or] emergency service.”
On funding, market organizers said vendor fees and voluntary donations are the primary revenue sources. “We do, but it's and it's totally voluntary. So we just we have, like, a recommended $1 per person,” one presenter said. The group described an annual target goal of $40,000 but said current take is about $6,000–$8,000 with costs around $3,500. They also run a winter market and periodic mattress sales as fundraisers, and proceeds support the school music program—including orchestra, choir and band across grades five through 12.
Committee members asked about event support needs such as electrical hookups; organizers said they would welcome help but expected to rely on in‑place electricity rather than generators where possible. The presenters said the permit had already been considered by the events committee.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the market permit during the meeting; staff said they would review the city’s matrix for any required council referral and follow up with the organizers.
