Kerry Riggs says the Merion Village Crafters Market and Bazaar will provide a great opportunity to promote the Urban Achievers 4-H Club, which she founded in 2005.

Her group will be selling buckeye-themed jewelry and Christmas decorations, as well as buckeye candy.

The 4-H organization has broadened its appeal beyond farming to include such things as science and the visual and performing arts, said Riggs, who lives in Merion Village.

“It definitely lets us put the word out,” she said.

The 19th annual market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Gates-Fourth United Methodist Church, 119 E. Gates St. It is free and open to the public. Twelve vendors will offer a variety of merchandise, including gift baskets, jewelry and sculptures.

“It’s a perfect way to get your Christmas shopping done early,” said Joe Stefanko, who is helping organize the event.

The market formerly was known as the Crafters and Artisans Market but the name was changed to make it sound more neighborhood-friendly, Stefanko said.

Hot dogs, sloppy joes, chips and other light lunch fare will be for sale. Proceeds from the food and silent auction will benefit the Merion Village Association.

Stefanko said the market hours would not overlap with the Ohio State football game at 8 p.m.

Lori Mitchell, president of the St. Leo Preservation Society, said her organization will sell items such as gift baskets, houseplants, caramel corn and tutus for young ballerinas.

The money will be used for preservation of St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1903 in Merion Village.

“We have repeat customers who want to see us every year,” Mitchell said.

gseman@thisweeknews.com

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