ST. GEORGE —A brand-new vendor market is coming to Washington County next weekend, packed full of local makers and small business owners along with something unique — golf.
“We just want to get the best of the best, really high-quality, wonderful makers in St. George,” event producer Melynda Fanene with GTHR1 Productions said. “We have awesome local artisans. It’s incredible how many small businesses and women in business that we’re surrounded by.”
The Desert Color Market will take place in front of BigShots Golf and will be filled with local makers and artisans. The event also will include a children’s market, providing a rare opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses to the community.
Fanene said the Desert Color Market will have at least 40 vendors and will include high-quality jewelry, clothing, edible goods and home decor made by local producers in Washington County.
“The future that Desert Color is planning is immense,” she said. “This is just the tiny, tiny beginning.”
The goal of the market is to bring merchandise, shopping and commerce to the Sun River, Desert Color and Desert Canyon communities and to support local businesses from across the county, which is GTHR1 Production’s passion. Fanene said the location is perfect for the entire family to come out, go shopping, get some golfing in and eat at the cafe inside BigShots Golf – the Anthem Kitchen + Bar.
“Come as a family,” Fanene said. “Whoever doesn’t want to shop can golf. There’s even putt-putt golf for the kids. We want it to be a fun little afternoon for everybody.”
One of the local vendors will include Emilee Potter, the owner of Salty. Clothing Co. She said she’s brought her company to markets all over Utah, and her favorite thing is connecting with people in person, hugging them and sharing her story — something that’s close to her heart.
“So the word salty, meaning I’m bitter and angry towards my mom’s cancer diagnosis, that’s how it was born,” Potter said. “I needed something to, one, cope with my mom’s diagnosis, and two, give her some sort of support to show her I was there for her. Like a hug for her during chemo.”
Salty. Clothing Co. offers branded hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tank tops, hats, water bottles and more, with plans to start a swimwear line. For more information on this company, visit their website or find them on Instagram.
“I just want to be there for everybody going through anything,” Potter said. We all have a story. We all have a struggle. Whether it’s cancer or not, I just want people to know they’re not alone because that was the worst feeling in the world.”
See Salty. Clothing Co. and other local vendors at the Desert Color Market on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP in advance to enter prize giveaways. Follow Desert Color Market on Instagram and Facebook for updates and announcements.
As far as other Saturday markets in town, Fanene said there is no competition between them. Instead, it’s 100% collaboration. Market hopping has become popular, and each market goes hand-in-hand with supporting local businesses. She hopes to continue the Desert Color Market either monthly or quarterly in the future.
Event details:
- What: Desert Color Market
- When: Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: BigShots Golf at 108 W. Black Mountain Drive in St. George
- Admission: Free
- For more information visit the Desert Color Market event page, or follow them on Instagram.
Photo Gallery
A graphic for the upcoming Desert Color Market is shown | Photo courtesy of GTHR1 Productions, St. George News
A graphic for the upcoming Desert Color Market is shown | Photo courtesy of GTHR1 Productions, St. George News
The Desert Color Market will take place at the front area of BigShots Golf in St. George, Utah, Feb. 14, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
The Desert Color Market will take place at the front area of BigShots Golf in St. George, Utah, Feb. 14, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
BigShots Golf features a lounge and outdoor space to golf, St. George, Utah, Feb. 14, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
(L-R): Susannah O'Brien, local marketing manager for BigShots Golf, Event Producer Melynda Fanene with GTHR1 Productions and Emilee Potter, the owner of Salty. Clothing Co. pose together for a photo in St. George, Utah, Feb. 14, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Apparel by Salty. is pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Emily Potter via saltyshoponline.com, St. George News
Apparel by Salty. is pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Emily Potter via saltyshoponline.com, St. George News
A graphic for the upcoming Desert Color Market is shown | Photo courtesy of GTHR1 Productions, St. George News
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