By Lou Zykla Jr.
The 830 Times
Market at the Museum was held on Saturday at the Whitehead Memorial Museum and celebrated International Women’s Week and the women who attended the museum with their booths.
The event was hosted by the Del Rio Downtown Association. Alexandra Calderon, founder of the Del Rio Downtown Association, said the group’s mission is to revitalize the downtown area and bring the community together to support businesses. She said their group has used the museum before because it is a great location to hold their events.
“(The market) has helped a lot of small businesses to have an outlet, and it gives us joy because we are big supporters of small businesses and the community gets to see them grow,” Calderon said.
The market opens the doors for new businesses to sell their products and make connections. Isabella Hosick attended her first market outlet to promote her business. Hosick said she had a great turnout and had her friends and family support her Saturday evening.
Other businesses traveled from out of town to sell their craftsmanship at the museum. Terry Zimmerman, traveled with her daughter from Junction, Texas, to sell her homemade jam and jelly. Zimmerman said she gets great feedback from the Del Rio community.
Although it will be celebrated on March 8, the market promoted International Women’s Week and acknowledged the women entrepreneurs who attended the market. Calderon said Saturday’s event was a great opportunity to honor and recognize the local businesswomen.
Josefa Sanchez, 89-year-old local businesswoman, attended the market to sell handmade necklaces and jewelry. Jose Sanchez, Josefa’s son, said her mother wanted to be at the market because of International Women’s Week and to present her life’s work. Local Girl Scouts were on hand with cookies at the museum. Sabrina Kuster, Girl Scouts’ community manager, said their group is a great representation for women empowerment.
The evening ended with the Del Rio Downtown Association presenting the women entrepreneurs with certificates and with live music playing till 8 p.m. The next market will be held again at the Whitehead Memorial Museum in April.
