Meet & Greet: Back Alley Market brings shoppers to downtown DeKalb

DeKALB – Sean Ferguson of Sycamore went shopping with his three daughters to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

But instead of going to a big box store, they went to the DeKalb Back Alley Market, searching for something unique and handmade.

“Part of her Mother’s Day gift is us getting out of the house for a while, and we’re hoping to find something to bring back as a gift,” he said. “The weather is beautiful and there’s lots of vendors. It’s the perfect day out.”

Ferguson and other outdoor shoppers had their choice of 48 vendors who participated in the market held Saturday, May 8, in downtown DeKalb. The Egyptian Theatre also housed vendors and had its concession stand and restrooms open for shoppers.

Jana Nowak, one of the three event coordinators, described Back Alley Market as “an open-air market with vendors of all types.”

“There’s something for everyone: dog treats, spices, CBD oil, art, plants and jewelry,” she said. “I’m just glad we were able to coordinate a day out in downtown DeKalb, reacquainting people with local vendors, shops and restaurants.”

Dorothy Francke of Genoa usually attends three or four markets a year with her business Patches N Pickens, selling handmade purses, planter chairs, stepping stones and quilted items.

“It’s great to be out and about again at the market,” she said. “It’s nice to just get out and do something and see the beautiful things everyone has for sale.”

Sarah Katzel of Sycamore sold handmade jewelry through her business, This Little Doodle, sharing space with Francke at the market.

“Showing my items in person is so much better than online,” Katzel said. “The benefit of the event is that you get to talk to people and have face-to-face interaction.”

Mickey Beckman of Sycamore browsed the vendors’ wares.

“I’m not looking for anything in particular, but you never know when you’ll find a little treasure,” she said.

Shannon Erickson of Cortland chose the outdoor event as her first-ever show, selling bloom art, also called pour paintings, through her business Rhythm & Blooms.

“It’s just a really cool event,” she said. “It’s a great way to meet a lot of people and for them to see your items for sale, in person.”

The event organizers are planning another DeKalb Back Alley Market in the fall, with the date tentatively set for Oct. 2. For information, visit the event’s Facebook page or Facebook event.