"Our Maker's Markets truly highlight local talent," said Megan Shank, owner and operator of The Shank Shoppe. "We celebrate the people we love and support by bringing their items to you. All of our vendors are curated, and we truly go the extra mile to find quality and variety."

On Saturday, June 10, The Shank Shoppe will host a Kick Off to Summer Maker's Market at the Elizabethtown Fairgrounds, 900 E. High St. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"We have a large variety of vendors, such as candle makers, macrame, paintings, baking, woodworking, home decor, bath and body items, blown glass, paper flowers, embroidery, apparel, upcycled products, jewelry, stationery, stickers, hair accessories ... and so much more," Shank stated. Along with 100 vendors, the market will feature a petting zoo with baby goats (weather permitting) free face painting, a free blow-up slide, live music, a free photo booth area, a live art demonstration, giveaway baskets and a variety of food trucks. A free Pound class, which is a workout class using drumsticks, will be offered at 10 a.m. The first 100 guests to arrive at the market will receive a free tote bag.

Shank noted that The Shank Shoppe officially started in 2022, but she has been creating customized home decor, gifts and apparel for many years as a part-time hobby. "I have always made products for close friends and family, and when I was participating in vendor markets, it frequently felt like markets weren't focusing on the makers," she explained. "Deciding to handle markets differently was an easy decision to be able to highlight and serve the talented vendors right here in our area."

Prior to opening The Shank Shoppe, Shank worked in the corporate dental industry for more than a decade. The combination of the pandemic and her daughter's medical needs prompted Shank to focus on shifting careers to better serve her family's needs. "The Shank Shoppe is proudly a family-owned small business supporting fellow family-owned small businesses," Shank stated, adding that she was able to hire her first two employees for the 2023 season.

Based out of Marietta, The Shank Shoppe hosts Maker's Markets throughout Lancaster County. "We take pride in celebrating the local makers, artists, creators and crafters within our community," Shank remarked. "By being a vendor that is part of Maker's Markets by The Shank Shoppe, you are able to highlight your talents while surrounding yourself with fellow vendors that will be a great resource for your craft." Shank noted that she is always accepting vendors for her markets. For more information, visit http://www.theshankshoppe.com.