Vendors sell produce, crafts, lemonade
By Angie Landsverk
A local business owner is hosting a weekly farmers’/craft market in her parking lot this summer.
“There’s no charge for the vendors,” said Mitzi Wohlrabe. “I’m doing this strictly to help the community.”
Wohlrabe owns Mama Z’s Bakery and Java Hut at N2826 County Trunk QQ, just outside of King.
The market is scheduled to take place there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.
If it rains on a Wednesday, the market switches to Thursday, she said.
“The vendors are flexible,” Wohlrabe said.
In business 12 years, she has been at her present location for the last 10 years.
“What I’ve learned with our tourists, lake guests is they check in on a Saturday and check out on a Saturday,” she said of those who rent places on the nearby Chain O’ Lakes.
They may not make it to downtown Waupaca for the Saturday market.
Wohlrabe thought having a mid-week market in the King area would benefit those staying on the lakes.
“Maybe they’re looking for something fun to do,” she said.
It is also a way for them to fill their fridges for their remaining days of vacation in the area.
Wohlrabe started thinking about the idea last fall.
She talked to Sandra Olvera, who managed the Waupaca Farmers Market last season.
Olvera helped Wohlrabe connect with potential vendors.
Those interested in being vendors may contact Wohlrable.
If it rains on a Wednesday, she encourages people to visit Mama Z’s Facebook page to learn if the market is being rescheduled.
She decided to give the market a try this summer because she has room for it.
Sophia Shanak and Ava Smith are selling lemonade at it.
The two 10-year-olds are raising funds for area nonprofits, such as the Human Society of Waupaca County, Project Backpack, Waupaca Area Food Pantry and Waupaca Area Public Library.
Shanak said she wants to give back this summer.
At the end of the summer, she will donate the money she made selling lemonade.