First Saturday on the Square:  A “Behind the Scenes” look at Nevada, MO’s Vibrant Vendor Market   

By: Brianna Reiff

On the first Saturday of every month in downtown Nevada, Missouri, charming small businesses flood the city square in a vibrant event, fittingly named “First Saturday on the Square.” This event has been gaining popularity and effectively creating a community orientated marketplace since December 2023 when Christina Dedick, of Nana Maries and the Promotions Chair of the Nevada MO Main Street Alliance, first organized the function. 

Market Mechanics: Planning

First Saturday on the Square is far from haphazard as roughly 35 hours goes into planning the event. “Planning First Saturday on the Square involves a mix of logistics, creativity, and community engagement,” Christina elaborated in an interview with me where she also stated that the “biggest obstacle is the weather and deciding if I should cancel the event due to the weather being predicted.” Last-minute cancellations and no shows also present themselves as challenges, especially considering the meticulous layout created for the vendors. 

Market Mechanics: Vendor Coordination

“Coordinating vendors for First Saturday on the Square is one of the most important—and complex—parts of planning the event,” stated Christina. 

Coordinating vendors relies heavily on the Booth Assignment and Layout. Putting vendors that complement each other close together, and putting vendors who sell similar products far away from each other are measures considered when planning the layout for the event. Those vendors are ones who have completed the application process and payments required to be a part of the growing marketplace. Walking flow, accessibility, shaded areas, and proximity to power and restrooms are also reasoned as a part of the vendor coordination process. Communication is key as the set up day for First Saturday on the Square approaches. 

Set Up Day

The day starts at 8 AM when preparing and setting up First Saturday on the Square for the public. Christina arrives around this time to ensure it will run smoothly, while fellow vendors start setting up their booths at their designated areas. “I would describe it as full of excitement and anticipation of what the day will bring. A lot of work has been done in preparation by the vendors and myself, and we are all looking forward to the event day. At this point in the process, for me, all my prep work is complete and I get to watch my vision COME TO LIFE!” answered Christina, when asked what emotions she feels throughout the set up process. 

Revitalizing the Downtown

At 10 AM, citizens flock to the vibrant vendor booths for the lively event of First Saturday on the Square. Music is heard, food is enjoyed, and memories are made along the west side of the city square. An event that wouldn’t be possible without the City of Nevada, the County Commissioners, the supportive vendors, and the encouraging community of Nevada, MO as recognized by Christina. 

The upcoming First Saturday on the Square on 6/28, a combined event for both June & July, will be an exciting one! With the additions of new businesses to the event, like Nevada Speedway, the lineup of activities and goods available knows no bounds! 

You can follow along for event updates on their Facebook page: First Saturday on the Square! Christina Dedick, coordinator of First Saturday, can also be reached at her store, Nana Maries (121 N Main, Nevada, MO) or by email, [email protected].