Plant City’s first “Mossy Hollow Market” will sprout into existence at Metals & Nature this weekend, offering shoppers a unique blend of drear and wonder. Located at 1501 W. State Rd. 60, the enchanted-forest themed vendor market will transport visitors to a woodland realm of fairies, mushrooms and sprites.
The Mossy Hollow Market, the brainchild of visionaries Shannon Crosby, Shannon Shearer and Vicky Smude, will open its enchanted doors to the public Sat., Sept. 30 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The market’s theme, “Drear and Wonder,” encapsulates the contrast between the dark and mysterious aspects of nature and the enchanting allure of fairy tales.
“I was looking to do something artsy and fun and Shannon and I got to talking and together we began dreaming up something entirely new and unique,” said Crosby, of Spooky Plant Lady fame and owner of The Citrine Ghost. “We met Vicky and her husband Arley and so we started collaborating on a vendor market.”
The group has been working hard to hand curate 30 local vendors, from a Gainesville-based vegan food truck to a bookshop in Fort Myers, who fit the magical theme. Market vendors will offer a variety of products, from handcrafted jewelry and botanical potions to mysterious trinkets and spellbinding artifacts. Shoppers can peruse the stalls that are nestled beneath Metals & Nature’s mossy undergrowth. The market will also feature a stargazing tent, photo opportunities, a wishing cauldron where guests can write a wish on magical disappearing paper, wandering characters and festive music.
Plant City’s brick-and-mortar store Rowan and Plum will be one of the vendors at the market, selling a variety of mushroom-related merchandise, woodworking items and candles. Owner Andrew “Andy” Weisshaupt is eager to return to his roots. He and his wife sold their wares at markets for two years before moving into their downtown storefront. “For customers it’s amazing because you get a variety of items you’ll never get in one place, you’ll find different people that do completely different things all in one spot and it’s fun,” he said.
Shoppers are encouraged (but not required) to don fairy attire and join in the fun at this family-friendly event. Parking and market admission is free.
“We’re not just putting a vendor market on,” said Crosby. “It’s going to be very detailed and over-the top.”
For more information visit the market’s Facebook page at Mossy Hollow Market.