Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Wood.
Hi Kim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Thank you. I’m excited to tell you about Garden Ridge Market Days! It’s a secret gem many local San Antonio residents have yet to discover. 2nd Saturdays monthly at Northeast Bible Church in Garden Ridge Texas (just Northeast of San Antonio), we host over 150 local farm, food, and craft vendors monthly and support non-profits throughout the area!
Garden Ridge Market Days was originally started by the City of Garden Ridge back in 2019. I (Kim Wood) was hired to help run the market which had about 20 vendors at the time. I saw the opportunity to support local non-profits which motivated my involvement. The market eventually grew so large the city gave me their blessing to run the market as my own business and I moved it to Northeast Bible Church where I quickly grew it to host over 150+ vendors.
More than a market, Garden Ridge Market Days has become a monthly destination, festival, and celebration of local vendors each month featuring live music, free kid’s activities, and themed markets to keep each market unique from the next! We believe supporting small, local businesses is key in our Texas economy and in building community, and appreciate all of the support we have received.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a market is a LOT harder than anyone would think. Just one day per month, the market is still a full-time job for me at this time. There are a lot of decisions, hardships, and details to look after, especially in designing our market as a destination where family-friendly events and non-profit assistance are key.
When we first moved to a new location, COVID awareness hit the very day we launched the market. We were shut down on and off throughout that year and times were very hard for vendors and the market. Weather provides obstacles too, but we have shade trees for sunny days and an indoor area for the cold! We are thankful that even the harshest weather days are still attended by the market’s biggest fans!
Despite hardships, we’ve pushed on and managed to grow to nearly 180 vendors monthly today!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Garden Ridge Market Days?
Garden Ridge Market Days is a FREE, family-fun market with 150+ local farm, craft & food vendors/trucks, sweet treats, free kid’s activities & more! The market is open 9 am – 2 pm 2nd Saturdays monthly at Northeast Bible (19185 FM 2252, Garden Ridge) NE San Antonio. The largest pop-up market in the San Antonio area, Garden Ridge Market Days focuses on family-friendly fun while you shop!
Customers enjoy food trucks, sweet treats & fun while shopping a wide selection of local farm-fresh produce and micro greens, canned goods, boutique clothing, home decor, grass-fed beef, nuts, honey, oils, jams, plants/succulents, bread, food, yard art, BBQ sauce, salsa, sweet treats, pet vendors, chili, custom tumblers, laser engraved items, granola, candles, jewelry, bath products, woodwork, crafts and MORE! Local service businesses set up booths to let you know more about their services and offer discounts, too!
The market is FREE to attend, with free parking and free kids’ activities! Friendly dogs are welcome on a leash (outdoors only). Please bring cash… most vendors accept cashless payment but we do not have an ATM on site.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Garden Ridge Market Days is a Christian, female-owned, and veteran-owned small business (family owned)! We support non-profits monthly with markets themed around raising funds for local schools, fire departments, pet adoption services, and more. You can find more info about our business on our Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/
Something people don’t know about me? I worked at Disneyland for 5 years, ran a social activities club in Arizona for 8 years, and have 2 children (9 and 6) and an amazing husband (Marine, firefighter and businessman) who are my whole world. I’ve been skydiving, powered hang-gliding, shark diving, scuba diving, ziplining, and have traveled to many countries. I graduated with my BA in Communications and Public Relations and my favorite thing to do is go on cruises and travel. I feel very blessed to be running this market with all of our amazing vendors and supportive community!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://gardenridgemarketdays.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gardenridgemarketdays
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/GardenRidgeMarketDays
