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Three times a year, a summer pop-up market transforms the American Legion Post 597, a building tucked into the far corner of historic Carrollton Square that serves as both a veterans' service organization and a community hub.
Misty Jeffcoat, the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 597, said the pop-up market began three years ago as a way to build awareness and, through the $35 vendor fees, fundraise for the Legion.
This year, the indoor markets are scheduled for June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each market is open to the public and features 10 new and returning vendors, with the first offering goods ranging from homemade cutting boards and pens to cups and jewelry.
The Legion is also hosting a raffle this year, where each attendee gets a ticket that will be drawn in the Aug. 15 market for a chance to win a basket of vendor items.
In the morning, breakfast is available each day of the pop-up shop. Additionally, bar food and drinks are available throughout the event.
Angelique Lawless, an American Legion member and longtime vendor, vended at the June 20 pop-up market with her daughter. While Lawless managed her booth, Angels Accents and More, her daughter sold items at the Legion's Junior table to help raise money for new cookware at the Legion.
"It's almost like a second home to us," Lawless said about the Legion. "I love that my daughter can also be up here with me and be doing events."
Despite the tight-knit atmosphere, longtime vendors say the market still struggles to gain visibility. “The biggest challenge, I think, is getting the word out. We can only do so much on social media,” said long-time vendor and Legion member Greg Grindstaff.
The Legion supports veterans, their families, and the wider community through outreach like VA hospital bingo, coat drives, the Blue Santa Christmas gift program and wreath- and flag-laying ceremonies at local cemeteries and memorials, Jeffcoat said.
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