By STU CLAMPITT
news@readthereporter.com
The Atlanta Spring Market was a packed house on Saturday, March 11 at Earthly Endearments, 155 W. Main St., Atlanta. There were 17 vendors, including The Reporter’s own Janet Hart Leonard. A train full of market fans made the trip from Noblesville, adding to the already massive success of the event.
Event organizer Carrie Feltner told The Reporter it only took one month to get everything in place for the market because they have held similar events three other times. If you didn’t make this one, have no fear, there are more markets to come.
“We are doing another on April 22 for the Bicentennial, and we are planning a Christmas market,” Feltner said.
Author Janet Hart Leonard’s booth was popular during the event’s entirety. (Reporter photo by Stu Clampitt)
The Nickel Plate Express held a special ride for nearly 100 passengers to travel from Hobbs Station to Atlanta for the market. Executive Director Emily Reynolds told The Reporter that ride sold out too fast for it to even be posted on the Nickel Plate Express website.
“We put up a Facebook post about the ride in January and we were fully booked in just a few hours,” Reynolds said. “That speaks so highly of how much people love both Earthly Endearments and the town of Atlanta. The support for the ride to the spring market was overwhelming and heartwarming.”
Passengers on that ride enjoyed a wine tasting from Mallow Run Winery while in transit. They then disembarked to enjoy the market, and many took the opportunity to visit one of the largest model train layouts in the continental United States at Mr. Muffin’s, 165 E. Main St., Atlanta.
Feltner, along with Earthly Endearments owners Shannon and Steve Plumer told The Reporter they were very grateful for the special Nickel Plate trip to Atlanta on Saturday, saying they absolutely love the train and how great it has been for their business and Atlanta.
“We are super appreciative to have the train back in Atlanta and have people supporting us,” Shannon Plumer said.
Reporter photos by Stu Clampitt