Wesleyan Market to close after 17 years

Wesleyan College will bid farewell to its shoppers, vendors and volunteers Dec. 13 after more than 17 years of hosting its monthly outdoor market on campus.

From homemade jams and fine art to crochet masterpieces and fresh produce, Wesleyan Market attracted a community of shoppers and Macon business owners looking to highlight their locally-sourced fresh food and curated knicknacks.  

Wesleyan announced the upcoming conclusion of its monthly market on Nov. 8 in a Facebook post, citing its plans to pursue “new ways to utilize campus space and resources to better align with our mission and future goals.” 

The announcement received mixed reactions from the community. 

Many expressed gratitude for the market’s community impact, while others inquired about alternative locations for future markets. Some questioned the college’s decision and wondered about other potential cutbacks to Wesleyan’s community spaces.

Retired teacher Debbie McClendon first attended Wesleyan Market in 2017 to sell her handmade jewelry. She returned to the market in 2021. 

Although she hadn’t participated in the market in a couple years, McClendon said she initially felt disappointed by the news of its closure. 

“It was just such a great environment,” she said. “All of the vendors were just very nurturing.”

The market was friendly, affordable for participating sellers and a good space for new business owners, McClendon noted. 

The college, however, is not turning its market-goers and local entrepreneurs away for good, according to its Facebook post. Wesleyan announced plans to host two larger-scale markets on the second Saturdays of April and December next year.

“This decision reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful engagement with the community while reimagining events that best serve both vendors and attendees,” Wesleyan’s creative director Harrison Tarr wrote in an official statement.

Tarr also thanked market volunteers, businesses and customers for their part in the market’s lasting success over the past 17 years.

McClendon said she liked the idea of two larger markets, but wondered if the markets will be indoors and where they will fit.