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Treasures in Ottawa draws regional vendors; county hears fireworks plans for July 4
Summary
Franklin County commissioners received an update on Treasures in Ottawa, which grew to 68 vendors using 91 spots and drew shoppers from 37 cities. Officials also heard that fireworks for July 4 have been purchased and will be shot from Orless Cox.
Rylan, an event organizer, told the Franklin County Commission on June 25 that the spring market rebranded as Treasures in Ottawa drew 68 vendors this year and used 91 booth spots, an increase from about 40 vendors the prior year.
The event has been held at Legacy Square since 2021. "This year, we ended up having 68 different vendors that came to set up, using up 91 spots," Rylan said. He told commissioners 42 of the vendors were from outside Franklin County and shoppers represented about 37 different cities.
The county discussion focused on whether the event should cap vendor numbers and how to handle continued growth. A commissioner asked whether organizers would limit vendors to avoid oversupply; Rylan said he favored growth and inclusivity, noting the event’s informal origins and that expanded use of adjacent greenspace and streets could accommodate demand. "I would see that as a huge success," he said when asked about a larger footprint.
Commissioners and Rylan also discussed upcoming July 4 festivities. Rylan said the city band will be set up at Forest Park and an outside group is coordinating food trucks, and that the fireworks for this year already have been bought. "We already have the fireworks purchased for this year," he said, adding the shoot will be at Orless Cox, south of the river, to reduce weather-related risk.
Rylan told the commission that rising fireworks costs make ongoing fundraising important; contributions received this year will help purchase next year’s fireworks. He said organizers do not know an exact attendance number for the fireworks but estimated viewership in the thousands.
The organizer said he will return next spring to request funding again as part of the county’s grant process to continue growing the event and support the fireworks program.
