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Shoppers at Wimberley Market Day can choose from the wares of more than 470 vendors.
Photos by Madonna Kimball.

Wimberley Market Day expands to two days

By Melissa Gilmere

Treasure hunters, rejoice.Wimberley Market Day is expanding its traditional first Saturday event to a two-day market beginning the first Saturday and Sunday in October, November and December.

Market Day has been a Wimberley tradition since 1964, when locals first sold their wares from the tailgates of pickup trucks on the town square. The local Lions club assumed management, and in 1972 moved the market to its current location at Lions Field on FM 2325.

Today, between 8,000 and 15,000 visitors gather at this Hill Country institution each month, the second largest outdoor market in the state.

Lions Club members hope proceeds from the expanded market will allow them to keep up (or increase) the current level of contributions to local charities, schools and community service programs, as well as maintain and expand the Market Day facilities.

In 2006 and 2007, the Lions contributed more than $172,000 to charitable causes, but still fell short of requests. “We’re trying to make up that shortfall,” says Scott Brown, Lions Club treasurer. “We want to meet everyone’s needs fully and we’re always looking for ways to increase our donation budget.”

The two-day market offers benefits to shoppers, as well. With about 470 vendors participating, it can be tough to explore all Market Day has to offer in just one day.


Above, some of the treasures to be found at Wimberley Market Day.
Photos by Madonna Kimball.


“Plus it’s a wonderful chance for visitors to make a weekend out of it — to take in Market Day, shop on the Square, enjoy a bed and breakfast, dine at local restaurants, and attend an outdoor church service Sunday morning,” says Bill Noles, Market Day general manager.

The market is a labor of love for local Lions Club members, whose organization gives away 100 percent of profits generated.
The event is run solely by volunteer labor. As many as 225 people work each Market Day, and about half of those volunteering are not even Lions Club members. “They work because they love it, we love it,” says Lewis Smith, Lions Club president. “Even disabled Lions members come out and work. They love to be there.”

A perfect example of this dedication, Lions Club member Mitch Hill, 89, routinely opens up the concession stand at each Market Day, something he has done for the past 23 years. In all those years, Mitch has never missed a Market Day.

“There’s just something about Market Day. If you come out once, you’ll be hooked,” says Bill. “We want our visitors to feel good and be happy, and we do everything we can to make it a pleasant experience.”

Lions Club members and other volunteers feel good about what the donation of a few hours of their time can accomplish.
“When we can send kids to Europe, award scholarships to high school seniors and buy food for the Crisis Breadbasket, that’s the real reward,” Scott explains.

Market Day vendors come from locations across Texas, including Temple, Arlington, Del Rio, Corsicana, and Brownwood, as well as the Hill Country.

“We have a core group of vendors,” says Annette Harrington, promotions manager,” but 10 to 20 percent of the vendors change out each Market Day, so there’s always something new and different.”

Not to be compared to a typical flea market, Market Day has a “tradition of quality, handmade products,” Annette explains.
Vendors offer goods ranging from handcrafts, art, photography, jewelry, plants, fossils, and dolls to military antiques, unusual home and garden decor, packaged foods, Mexican geodes and hand-crocheted items.

The sounds of live music waft across gentle breezes, and paved paths — complete with street signs to guide guests — wind across the more than 16 acres of Lions Field under a canopy of trees, past friendly vendors offering the unique and unusual.
All guests receive a free market directory, complete with the location of each vendor and a description of their wares.
Lions Club members serve up their renowned homemade barbecue plates and sandwiches, as well as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, soft drinks and much more, all of which can be enjoyed at picnic tables under the spacious pavilion.

A hauling team can carry large purchases to your vehicle, and the Lions offer a special cart to pick up anyone who becomes ill or to assist the handicapped. Other amenities include a free paging service, a first aid station staffed by EMS and CERT volunteers, and clean restrooms with hot and cold running water.

Handicap drop-off and parking is available, and all facilities are handicap-accessible. An ATM machine is located near the front gates. There is ample parking in three large lots across from and adjacent to Lions Field, and overflow parking is available at nearby Wimberley High School, the Katherine Anne Porter School and Trinity Chapel.

Future plans for the market include the addition of a farmers market with fresh produce and plants and installation of a cooling mist system.

“Market Day is a Hill Country institution,” says Lewis. “We are proud of the higher standards of our vendors. The two-day market can help us maintain those standards, expand and maintain our facilities, keep up our donations budget, and give our visitors more time and a better experience.”

FYI • Market Days are September 1, October 6-7, November 3-4, and December 1-2 at Lions Field on FM 2325 in Wimberley. Admission is free. Gates open at 6 am and close when the last vendor leaves (usually about 3 pm).No pets or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Market Day vendor booths are available on a day-rental basis of $50 per day. The pavilion (including use of the bathrooms and kitchen) is available for rental by members of the community. For more information, visit the web site at www.visitwimberley.com/marketdays.