Israel Barkley of ShuBrew Brewery and Food displays a selection of beers at the Zelienople Open Air Market on Thursday, June 13. Vayda Pascarella/Butler Eagle

Amid the hustle and bustle of cars passing down South Main Street, the Zelienople Open Air Market brought the local community together on Thursday evening, June 13, for an evening of shopping, food and drinks, and live music.

Started during the COVID-19 pandemic to help local businesses, the Zelienople Open Air Market runs from 4 to 8 p.m. every Thursday from May to October. Local businesses including The Little Green Bookstore, Ellinger’s Meats and Deli, ShuBrew Brewery and Food and others set up their wares along Zelienople’s South Main Street.

“It builds revenue for local businesses,” said David Green of Ellinger’s Meats and Deli.

The Little Green Bookstore featured author Shanea Clancy and her book “Transforming Trauma into Triumph: How One Woman’s Harrowing Beginning Led Her to God, Grace, and Growth — and How the Lessons Learned Can Help You Too!”

The market also featured local vendors and artists whose wares range from crocheted frogs to succulent planters.

Local vendor Heather Plonski stands beside a table featuring a few of her watches. Vayda Pascarella/Butler Eagle

“Everybody’s so nice. It’s such a great town. Even the kids, they’re just great,” vendor Heather Plonski said. “It’s a good place to do this. I don’t know of any other town that does something like this. It’s great for local businesses.”

Plonski started doing the open air market when it began during the pandemic. The event attracts people from all over, she said.

Spring Street Studios, which provides space to more than 60 local glass artists, displayed mosaic garden stone kits which include everything to complete the project.

Elizabeth Fortunato, the co-founder and education coordinator of Spring Street Studios, poses beside the mosaic outside of their studio. Vayda Pascarella/Butler Eagle

Jared Jameson and Nick Dzubinski, barbers at Luxury Barber Studio, said they just started participating in the open air market recently. “We love it,” they said.

Jared Jameson, left, and Nick Dzubinski pose behind a table for Luxury Barber Studio featuring different hair care products. Vayda Pascarella/Butler Eagle

“I do a lot of events. I do this full time so it’s good to find an event on a Thursday,” local vendor Rachel Mackowiak said.

Rachel Mackowiak stands behind a display of some of her jewelry pieces. Vayda Pascarella/Butler Eagle

Marianne and Kerri Gaus, of Nana’s Dishes Jewelry, a local jewelry company that features pieces made from porcelain dishware and china, also voiced their enjoyment of the event. “The best part is the people watching,” they said.

Kerri Gaus, left, and Marianne Gaus sit behind a table displaying their jewelry pieces made from porcelain china and dishes. Vayda Pascarella/Butler Eagle

Despite the heat, local businesses found ways to chill out. Della Terra restaurant, for example, sold pizzas and meatballs while Burghers Brewing Company sold burgers and cold drinks as a band played live music across from their booths.