VICHY — What began as a small hometown gathering of vendors and friends has grown into one of Maries County’s most anticipated fall events. The Homestead Market returned Oct. 5, bringing more than 70 vendors, live music, food trucks and family activities to 15419 Highway 63 South in Vichy.

Organizer Gabrielle Prigge said the idea started in 2023 when she decided to host a market of her own after years of participating in vendor events.

“I’d been in the vendor world a long time and wanted to have one of my own,” she said. “My husband told me no, so I told him, well, yes I can.”

The first market, held in the fall of 2023, featured 30 vendors and drew around 400 visitors.

“We thought that was pretty good for our first event,” Prigge said. “Each year we’ve gotten about 200 people closer to our goal of 1,000, and based on the first hour today, I think this might be the year we hit it.”

This year’s market showcased more than 70 vendors selling handmade and homemade goods, with food trucks, children’s activities and live country music by Allie Irene, a regional artist returning for her second performance.

“We tested the waters with live music in the spring, and it went so well we invited her back,” Prigge said. “Next year we’re planning a full day of music with several artists.”

The Homestead Market also included a free bounce house, a photo spot and an assortment of local foods. Admission was $5, with free entry for children 12 and under. Parking was free and visitors were encouraged to bring cash, though several vendors accepted cards.

Prigge credited her family for making the event possible.

“It takes a village,” she said. “It started out with my mom, my dad, my siblings, my husband and my mother-in-law, Bonnie. My sisters-in-law help, too. We just all come together to make it happen.”

She said the purpose of The Homestead Market extends far beyond a single weekend.

“Community involvement — that’s why we’re here,” Prigge said. “I’m a small business owner myself, so I know how important it is for events like this to go well. We market it and advertise as far as we can so every vendor can have a really good day. That’s small businesses sticking together.”

Looking ahead, Prigge said she already plans to hold the next fall market on the first Sunday in October 2026 at the same location.

“Same time, same place, same good stuff,” she said, noting they are also considering another spring market.

She hopes to add even more attractions in the future, including pony rides and children’s game booths she hopes will be hosted by local churches.

“We’ve been trying to grow slowly rather than rapidly, just to make sure we’re staying on top of everything,” she said.

For Prigge, the heart of the Homestead Market is about keeping local dollars in the community.

“When you come to a market like this, you’re not supporting just the host — you’re supporting 70 other small businesses,” she said. “That’s truly important. We’re keeping our revenue local here in Maries County. Small businesses are the lifeblood of small towns. We thrive when we support them.”