Vendors, residents press League City to restore monthly Sunset Bazaar at League Park

Dozens of League City residents, vendors and small-business owners urged the League City Council on June 24 to restore the monthly Sunset Bazaar permit at League Park after they said the city unexpectedly denied the event producer’s reservation.

Supporters described the bazaar as a family-oriented, four‑hour monthly market that draws local shoppers and provides affordable booth fees for small vendors. Several speakers asked the council to meet with the event organizer and to allow the market to continue at League Park.

The requests came during the meeting’s public‑comment period. Amber Carlson, who identified herself as the founder of Sunset Bazaar, said she was “completely blindsided and violated and betrayed” after the city declined to renew her rental of League Park and an associated ballpark despite prior city staff visits and apparent earlier praise. Carlson said staff had at one point told her 50 vendors would be acceptable, then later indicated it would reserve additional dates for other events and ultimately denied her reservation without advance notice.

Several vendors and residents described the event’s community benefits. Heather Yanez, a League City realtor and homeowner, said her son, a vendor who makes 3‑D printed toys called Dragon Boy, has relied on the market to save for college. “It is such an incredible experience for our city to enjoy monthly,” Yanez said. Eze Yanes, the vendor she mentioned, told the council that the park location — with playgrounds, historic oak trees and nearby restaurants — is essential to attracting families and that suggested alternate sites lack comparable amenities.

Vendors stressed the bazaar’s low booth fee and the event’s informal community character. Market vendor Jimmy Westheimer said the Sunset Bazaar is “the perfect size” for League Park and that its low booth fee (he said Amber charges $65) makes participating financially feasible for sellers of lower‑price items. Eric Cross, who identified himself as Carlson’s husband, and vendor Larry Kendall said the market fosters community and family atmosphere and urged the council not to limit or relocate the event.

Council members acknowledged receiving both pro‑ and anti‑bazaar emails and comments. Mayor Pro Tem (name not specified in transcript) said he had spoken with the mayor, the city manager and the event organizer to gather facts and asked the mayor and city manager (Baumgartner) to meet with Amber Carlson to try to find a solution. Another councilmember suggested placing the matter on the agenda for a public discussion in two weeks if the parties could not reach agreement beforehand. No formal vote or permit reversal occurred at the meeting.

Speakers raising concerns included claims that a councilmember, Chad Tressler, had posted criticisms on social media and that at least one nearby business declined to move blocked cars when asked. Vendors said they maintain the park after events and that the Sunset Bazaar has drawn families and local musicians. Council members identified recurring complaints — music start times and parking — as issues they had heard and said they would pursue factual confirmation before taking formal action.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting. Instead members directed the mayor and city manager to meet with the event organizer to explore options and indicated the council could add the item to a future agenda for open discussion if those talks do not resolve concerns.

The public comments and the council’s direction leave the permit status unresolved pending staff and leadership follow‑up and any future agenda action.