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Denton Community Market: Something for every Dentonite

First opening in April, 2010, the Denton Community Market has grown into an event that is woven into the fabric of Denton.

What was once a monthly event with 15 vendors has blossomed into a weekly gathering of the Denton community that boasts an average of 70 vendors every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Executive Director Vicki Oppenheim was part of the DCM at its beginning as one of its co-founders, and she takes pride in seeing a market that the Denton community has embraced. “I started as a volunteer . . . and it’s evolved; It’s been very fulfilling to start all of this, and it’s been great to see it become what it is; I think it’s one of the best markets in DFW,” said Oppenheim. “I’d seen them [other markets] in other cities, especially on the east coast and other parts of Texas as well, and I’d thought Denton would be a great place to have it: we have local businesses and interest in local goods,” she continued.

Community members can come out to 317 W. Mulberry Street on Saturdays and enjoy live music and activities for kids while browsing through local produce, art and food vendors. “We think it’s a really good representation of our community: the diversity of artists and crafts people, as well as farmers. . . we love having all the different types of vendors and making it this big community event,” said Vendor Coordinator Rachel Weaver.

Of the utmost importance to Oppenheim is that the Market is, and always will be, a market of producers. Market-goers are buying directly from the people that grew, painted, crafted or baked whatever it is they are buying; the DCM is not a flea market, and the authenticity of your purchase can often be found right behind the counter. “We do not allow any resale; everyone you see here produces and grows sustainably, so we are very strict about those standards, and that makes our market one of the best in DFW,” said Oppenheim.

The DCM is a market for all of Denton, and Oppenheim encouraged TWU students that create art, grow produce or perform musically to participate. Information on becoming a vendor can be found here. The DCM is constantly evolving, and Oppenheim hopes to see you out there soon: “You never know what you’re going to see at the market; there’s always something fun, something new. . . so it’s just something fun to come do every week.”

 

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