RIDGEWOOD — One market in Queens not only caters to kids, it encourages them to be the vendors.
The market was started by Colleen Parker-Leon, a Ridgewood resident who wanted to cater to the abundance of families that have long been a huge part of the neighborhood. She held a successful Kid's Market earlier this year in the Ridgewood YMCA. Children sold everything from their own artwork, to lavender satchels, super hero necklaces, and home baked goodies.
The "kid-preneurs," whose ages range from around 6- to 13-years-old, sell their goods with the help of their parents. Children hand-decorate their cupcakes, or weave bracelets themselves with the help of online tutorials.
“I started selling baked goods and hard rock candy to my fellow classmates in the fifth grade,” Parker-Leon said in an email to DNAinfo. “I started the Ridgewood Kids Market to give kids the opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills and the foundation of running their own business.”
Parker-Leon created a website for the Ridgewood Kids Market, and began doing outreach at local markets and events in the neighborhood, organizing kids' clothing swaps in the community. She posted fliers at the local library, in bakeries and along main streets in Ridgewood, so that she'd reach parents interested in having their children be a part of the market.
Here are a few things to know about July's Ridgewood Kid's Market:
When:
► July 13, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where:
► Despite being called "Ridgewood Kids Market," this month's market will be held at Atlas Park Mall, at 800 Cooper Ave. in Glendale.
What to Expect:
► There will be a free magic show from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. for children.
► There will be manicures for fashion forward kids, along with glitter tattoos, and animal balloons.
► Baked goods will be available for sale.
► Parents who are concerned about their children's safety can sign up for for Safe Kids IDs at the market.
► Many of the vendors will be made up of children and/or local businesses in Ridgewood. If you shop there, you'll be supporting a wide range of small businesses.
► Movies on the Green will be held nearby that same day for a full day of fun, and there will be a live DJ setting the mood.
Other Markets:
► Anyone who wants to reach out to Parker-Leon in hopes of attending or selling at future markets should reach out there.
