Young artists, crafters, bakers and entrepreneurs will be displaying their talents at the second Children’s Market at the Francestown Community Market Friday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Francestown Town Hall. 

The event takes place outside in the Town Hall’s historic horse sheds and is rain or shine.

“Last year, we had a great response and so many wonderful young people come and show their creativity and their skills in so many areas, and people just loved it, so we really wanted to do it again," said Pamela Berry, who organizes the Francestown Community Market

Berry said this year’s young vendors include a mix of food, crafts and skills. The event will also include the market’s regular vendors, and Francestown’s 4-H troop will be providing lemonade. The regular vendors will be present at Friday’s market from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with the Children’s Market ending at 6 p.m. For a complete list of vendors and information about the market, go to facebook.com/francestowncommunitymarket. 

Berry said the purpose of the Children’s Market is to help teach young people about business and marketing.

“We are charging each young person $2 to have a table at the market so they can get a sense of how these types of markets work,” Berry said. “We are also letting them know that all the fees from the table will be donated to End 68 Hours of Hunger, so they know they are using their business to help others in their community and give back.” 

Around a dozen young people ages 6 to 17 have registered to be a part of Friday’s market. This year’s young entrepreneurs include bakers who will be bringing homemade cake, cookies, granola and other treats; crafters, who will be selling handmade bracelets, keychains, potholders, and origami; and a face-painting table. 

At last year’s market, artist Paula Kerouac created a large canvas painting with contributions by every child who took part in the market. This year, Kerouac will work with the young entrepreneurs to create a “rock snake” to be displayed at the  George Holmes Bixby Memorial Library.  Berry said the “rock snake” was inspired by a project at Greenfield’s Stephenson Memorial Library. 

“Paula will be painting the head of the snake, and the young people will paint rocks to create the rest of the snake,” Berry said. “My granddaughters and I have been out hunting for good rocks.”

Other activities for at Friday’s market include a snakeskin-painting activity with Morphs and Milestones, a Francestown nonprofit organization which rescues and rehabilitates reptiles and provides education about the animals. Melissa Gallagher, executive director of the Grapevine Family and Community Resource Center in Antrim, will host a free children’s craft and activity table.

“I had considered having a magician come to this market, but I really want the focus to be all on the children,” Berry said. “They are so creative, and it is just wonderful to see them out there. It is a great experience for everyone who attends.”