Every Wednesday in Tatnall Square Park, the sidewalks are lined with colorful booths with a variety of fresh, local and handmade products for the Mulberry Market.
The weekly market was founded in 2009 by the Community Health Works and the City of Macon as a means to provide sustainable food while also aiding local businesses and farmers, according to the Mulberry Market website.
“Today at its current location within Tattnall Square Park, the Mulberry Market attracts a wide cross section of Central Georgians of all incomes, races, professions, and ages who love fresh, locally produced farm, food, and craft items,” the website states.
The park is within walking distance from Mercer University, which offers students a fresh atmosphere and sustainable, local produce. They are able to support small businesses while also taking a break from their college responsibilities.
“I think it’s cool because it connects Mercer to the rest of Macon," Aurora Eastabrook, a Mercer freshman, said. You get to see small businesses from around town, but it’s close to campus."
In addition to benefiting students, Mulberry Market also benefits small businesses. The market's website currently lists over 20 vendors, but the site also has an application for any business to apply to be a vendor.
Lilly Hagerman, the owner of wax art company Toxic Moon Co., has had a booth at the Mulberry Market for almost two years and regularly sells crystals, candles and jewelry. She says the market has been a benefit to her business in many ways.
“Definitely growing my business by word of mouth has been really awesome because I’ve had a lot of people just come to the market to see me from other people telling them, and that's been really cool,” Hagerman said.
Other businesses include Bon Bon, which sells French-inspired desserts, and Bear and Deer Bakery, which sells vegan baked goods.
“The market is awesome," Hagerman said. "Everybody should come check it out."
Mulberry Market is open every Wednesday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in Tatnall Square Park at 1155 College St. The market is free to the public and operates rain or shine. To receive updates about the market, customers can sign up for their email newsletter on their website.
Maura Rutledge ‘25 is a Journalism student at Mercer University. She has previously worked for The Cluster as an Arts and Culture and News reporter, and currently works as the Managing Editor. She enjoys thrifting, fashion, reading and writing in her spare time.
