Downtown Ames comes alive this weekend as Lucky Star Market brings together about 50 artists, makers, musicians and food vendors.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 7, at the downtown Fareway parking lot, the Lucky Star event also marks a milestone for the founder. Jody Bergan Bennett recently received the Veronika Ruedenberg Cultural Entrepreneur Award from the Ames Community Arts Council, honoring 15 years of a “free, welcoming venue for emerging artists.”
“Appearing in locations across Ames and nearby communities, Lucky Star features printmakers, painters, jewelers, potters, wood and leather artists, food artisans, and local musicians,” the arts council said on its website. “Jody also uplifts young creators and nonprofits, including annual partnerships with Ames High art students and Friendship Ark. Her vision has strengthened community connection and enriched Ames’ creative landscape.”
Bergan Bennett said the recognition felt both humbling and a little surreal.
“Lucky Star has become a vibrant community of new and experienced artists, food artisans, ceramic artists, textile creators and repurposers, vintage vendors and more,” she told the Ames Tribune.
Lucky Star Market is a chance to shop local
The June event is the “only market of its kind in Ames until fall,” Bergan Bennett said. With no other large makers markets scheduled until the Octagon Center for the Art’s annual event in September and Lucky Star’s fall market on Oct. 4, she hopes people won’t miss the chance to support local creators.
“There are always smaller pop-ups, but as far as a big gathering for art and makers, this is it,” Bergan Bennett said.
Saturday’s market features a mix of longtime favorites and first‑time vendors, including several Bergan Bennett is especially excited to spotlight.
Lucky Star Market will feature notable new vendors
One of Saturday’s surprises is PepperHarrow Farm, the Madison County flower farm run by Adan and Jenn O’Neil and authors of “Small Farm, Big Dreams.”
“I was really thrilled when they applied,” Bergan Bennett said. “We’re honored to host them.”
PepperHarrow will bring fresh bouquets along with soaps, lotions and oils made with their farm‑grown lavender. They also offer dried flowers, seeds and tubers.
Printmaker and watercolor artist Jill Sneed of Stanhope joins the lineup after earning a recent third‑place award at the Iowa Artists State Show. Sneed teaches drawing and printmaking workshops across central Iowa and hosted a drawing class at Bergan Bennett’s cabin this spring.
Other new additions include Kelly Elliott of Francine and Georgia, who is known for her witty paper goods, and Lisa Fontaine, a retired Iowa State professor who creates repurposed silk necklaces and scarves. Ames artist Chris Perrin will bring his humorous 2D and 3D work featuring birds, bugs and beasts.
The market will also host Clay on Wheels, an interactive clay experience led by Gilbert art teacher Nathan Moore.
Lucky Star Market features music, food and community
Ames-based band Foxpin and Des Moines musician Will Z Hatchet, a visual artist, will provide free, live music.
Food trucks include Macubana, The Funny Onion, Bean Caffeinated, The Outside Scoop Ames, Vintage Road Coffee and C’est la Crepe.
Bergan Bennett draws on the sense of connection she sees among artists and visitors to help propel her into a sixth season.
“There’s a vibrant community that forms between them,” she said. “People are really wanting to spend their money in a grassroots local way.”
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Lucky Star Market returns to Ames with new makers, major honor
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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By Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune | USA TODAY Network
