First Market Day draws hundreds of students

By: Courtney Buck

Blog Content Contributor

Hosted by the university’s Student Involvement office, hundreds of students crowded the Quad on Wednesday to attend Texas State’s first Market Day of the semester.

Students browsed handmade goods, art, jewelry and products from a variety of local vendors. The event offered a break between classes and a chance to engage with the surrounding community.

Elysheva Barnet, a graduate student in student affairs, said Market Days give Texas State students a chance to experience businesses beyond what’s available on campus.

“We’re trying to get our students engaged in the San Marcos community,” Barnet said. “It’s about getting our students to interact with each other and familiarizing themselves with their surroundings.”

This semester’s Market Day series kicked off with a strong turnout, with more than 50 vendors lining the Quad and LBJ Mall.

Kevin Fessenbecker, an artist for Natural Stone Guitar Picks, said the event gave his business a chance to reach a new audience.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to expose ourselves,” Fessenbecker said. “We make the guitar picks from natural stones, so it’s great to expose ourselves to musicians and to people who love to hear different sounds of their guitar.”

Students browsing the booths said the event offered more than just shopping — it created a moment of connection on campus.

“I saw all of the jewelry and cute booths and wanted to check them out,” said Texas State freshman Emerson Bradfield. “I think it brings people together. Everyone is usually on their own, but this is the one time you’ll see everyone in one place, actually interacting and not on their phones, which I think is pretty cool.”

The next Market Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5.