A Vendor’s Guide For Maximizing Your First Thursday Market Booth

Written by Stephanie Pedro-Graves and Becci Ravera

Setting up your booth for the Madras First Thursday summer markets is more than just unpacking your products—it’s about creating an inviting, shoppable space that attracts customers and in return helps you drive more sales. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or new to the market scene, these essential tips will help you make the most of your booth setup so you can have a successful event!

Create a Visually Appealing Booth

First impressions matter, and your booth is no exception. A well-organized, aesthetically pleasing space will draw people in and encourage them to browse. Keep your setup open and inviting—avoid blocking entryways or cramming products into a small space.

Use height and layers: Instead of laying everything flat on a table, create levels with shelves, risers, or crates. This adds dimension and makes your display more dynamic.

Declutter: A messy or overcrowded booth can feel overwhelming. Keep your space neat and organized so customers can easily see what you offer.

Lighting: Since this event goes into the evening, consider adding battery-operated lights to highlight key products and create a warm, inviting ambiance.

Keep Your Display Fresh & Engaging

Your booth shouldn’t look the same all day—keeping it fresh will entice new and returning customers.

Rotate products throughout the event to make the booth feel new, even to passersby who have already walked through.

Fill empty spaces: If you’re selling out (yay!), shift items around to make the booth look full and vibrant.

Feature a bestseller or new arrival front and center to catch attention.

Make Pricing Clear & Accessible

One of the biggest customer turn-offs is unclear pricing. Many shoppers will walk away rather than ask how much something costs.

Use clearly marked price tags or signs for all products.

If you have a variety of similar items, consider grouping them with a single sign listing the price range.

Digital options like QR codes linking to pricing or product details can also be helpful!

Ensure Accessibility for All Shoppers

A welcoming booth is accessible to all potential customers, including those with mobility challenges.

Keep pathways clear for easy navigation, so your customers can easily get close enough to see everything you are offering.

Place popular items within reach, avoid putting everything too high, too low, or just out of reach.

Offer digital payment options for those who prefer to go cashless. By having digital payment options you make it even easier for customers to take home one of your amazing products!

Be Prepared: Vendor Must-Have Checklist

Nothing ruins a smooth setup faster than realizing you forgot an essential item. Here’s a quick checklist of booth essentials to keep on hand:

✅ Business Essentials: Business cards, product tags, price signs, promotional materials
✅ Sales & Payment: Till or cash box with change, POS system (like Square), receipt book (if needed) ✅ Display & Branding: Table, chair, canopy with weights, banner/signage, shelving or display stands
✅ Handy Tools: Scissors, tape, zip ties, safety pins, extra product packaging (bags, tissue paper)
✅ Comfort & Convenience: Water, snacks, sunscreen, portable phone charger.

Grab Our Free Vendor Checklist to Use at Your Events.

Download it Here.

Your booth is a reflection of your brand—make it welcoming, professional, and easy to shop. By focusing on visual appeal, organization, accessibility, and preparedness, you’ll set yourself up for a successful First Thursday market experience.

See you at the market, and happy selling!

Maximizing Your Social Media Marketing Strategy

A Small Business Guide to Effective Content and Consistency

Written by Stephanie Pedro-Graves

---

Social media can be a game-changer for your business—but only if you use it strategically. It's not just about posting pretty pictures or hopping on the latest trend.
Success comes down to three key elements: visual appeal, smart platform choices, and consistency. Here's a breakdown of the important elements to consider when developing your social media marketing strategy.

Visual Appeal
Does Your Content Look Intentional?

First impressions matter. Your social media content should immediately grab attention, and this begins with its visual appeal. Take time to craft posts that reflect your brand’s personality and values. Is your content designed intentionally, with clear visuals and messaging that align with your business goals?

A clean, cohesive layout is crucial. If your feed is cluttered or inconsistent, it can confuse your audience and undermine your brand. Use a consistent color palette, typography, and overall aesthetic. Tools like Canva can help create professional-looking content even if you don’t have design skills.

Ask yourself:
- Does my content look polished and intentional?
- Am I using a consistent color palette, fonts, and aesthetic?
- Does my content make sense for my audience and business goals?

Which Platforms Are You Using?

When it comes to choosing a social media platform, you don’t need to be on every social media platform - you just need to be on the right ones. Choose the platforms that best align with your target audience and business objectives.

• Instagram/Reels: This platform is great for highly visual businesses, especially in industries like fashion, food, travel, and fitness. Reels, in particular, have proven to be a powerful way to grow your business, offering reach beyond your immediate followers.

• TikTok: While there’s always the possibility of TikTok being banned in certain regions, it remains an incredibly potent tool for gaining exposure. TikTok allows businesses to grow quickly with engaging short-form video content, and its algorithm makes it easy for content to go viral.

• Facebook: A classic platform for businesses of all types, Facebook works best when integrated with Instagram. Link your Instagram to Facebook so that when you post on Instagram, it automatically posts to your Facebook page as well. This makes managing multiple platforms easier and more efficient.

• Twitter (X): A great platform for real-time updates and connecting with your audience through conversation. Ideal for businesses looking to share news, promotions, and interact with followers on a more personal level.

• Blue Sky: A newer social media network, focusing on decentralized social engagement. While not as mainstream yet, it could be a good space to explore if you're targeting specific, niche communities.

• LinkedIn: If you’re in the B2B sector or have a more professional audience, LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with business professionals, share industry insights, and establish authority in your field.

The Importance of Consistency

Once you've chosen your platform(s), consistency is key. Being seen regularly helps build trust with your audience and keeps your business top of mind. Here’s how to stay consistent:

Post Regularly: Aim to post multiple times a week to keep your brand visible. This could be as simple as showcasing new products, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or reposting user-generated content. Consistency in posting ensures that you remain relevant to your followers.

Stories: Use stories to stay in front of your audience on a daily basis. Unlike regular posts, stories can be less polished and more personal, giving your followers a peek behind the curtain of your brand. Posting multiple times a day through stories keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Reels/Videos: Videos are an increasingly important part of social media marketing. Set aside a day to batch-create multiple videos that you can schedule for the upcoming week. This helps save time and ensures you’re constantly engaging with your audience. Reels and TikToks are especially effective for increasing visibility and getting new eyes on your business.

Engage, Don’t Just Post

Your audience isn’t just watching—they want to interact. Social media is a two-way conversation. If you’re only posting and not engaging, you’re missing half the strategy.

• Respond to Comments & DMs → A simple reply builds trust and community.

• Ask Questions → Encourage engagement by asking followers for their thoughts, experiences, or opinions.

• Use Polls & Stickers → Instagram Stories' polls, quizzes, and question stickers are quick, fun ways to get your audience involved.

Engagement boosts visibility!
Platforms prioritize content that sparks interaction, so the more engagement you create, the more people will see your posts.

The Bottom Line: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Social media marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on creating high-quality, intentional content, choose the platforms that make sense for your business, engage with your audience, and track what’s working.

One platform.
One clear strategy.
One step at a time.

Ready to take your social media game to the next level?
Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your business grow!

Spooky Fun at the Halloween Night Market in Madras!

What a night! The Halloween Night Market in Madras was an unforgettable evening filled with spooky thrills, creative costumes, and community spirit. Our downtown streets were alive with excitement, as residents, visitors, and families came together to celebrate one of the most fun nights of the year.

From the moment the sun dipped below the horizon, the air was buzzing with the energy of our local vendors offering everything from sweet treats to unique handmade crafts. Whether you were hunting for the perfect costume accessory or indulging in delicious fall-inspired goodies, there was something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind event.

But it wasn’t just about the shopping—our Halloween Night Market was a full-on celebration! We had a blast seeing all the creative costumes, from classic witches and pumpkins to more unexpected and playful characters. The streets were filled with families, friends, and neighbors, all enjoying the festive atmosphere and connecting with each other.

We’d like to give a big shoutout to our incredible vendors and volunteers who helped make the night so special. Your dedication and creativity added to the magic of the evening. And of course, a huge thank you to all of you who joined us to shop, eat, and have fun. You all brought the Halloween spirit alive, and it was clear that Madras knows how to throw a good party!

We’d love to see YOUR photos from our Halloween Night Market. Send them to us via email MadrasDowntown@gmail.com

As we reflect on the fun, we’re already brainstorming how to make next year’s Halloween Night Market even more spooktacular. Stay tuned for more details, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s event!

Until then, keep the Halloween spirit alive, and let’s keep supporting our local businesses. We can't wait to see you all again soon!

Grateful for another season of First Thursday markets

As the weather cools and the sun sets earlier, we find ourselves with a moment to pause and reflect on the wonderful season we've just had. Another successful First Thursday Market season in Madras has come and gone, and we can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the amazing vendors, volunteers, and community members who made it all possible.

This year’s markets were filled with vibrant local goods, delicious food, live entertainment, and, most importantly, the spirit of connection. It was a season full of smiles, laughter, and shared experiences—something we’ve all been craving, especially after the challenges of the past few years.

We want to take a moment to recognize each and every person who contributed to the success of these events.

To our vendors: your passion for your craft and commitment to offering unique, high-quality products made each market a true celebration of what Madras has to offer. If you would like to be a vendor next season you can see more about joining the fun on our First Thursdays Page

To our volunteers: your selfless support and dedication were the backbone of these events, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and with a smile.

And to our community: your enthusiasm, support, and engagement made all the difference. Whether you visited once or every month, your presence created an electric atmosphere that brought this event to life.

The First Thursday Markets are more than just a chance to shop—they're a testament to the strength and spirit of our community. These events foster connections, celebrate local talent, and provide a platform for our small businesses to thrive. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.

As we look ahead to next year, we’re already buzzing with excitement for what’s to come. We can’t wait to continue building on this momentum, working together to make the First Thursday Markets even bigger and better. Until then, let’s carry that community spirit with us through the cooler months—and don’t forget to keep supporting our local businesses!

Here’s to another successful season, and to many more in the future. See you in 2025!

Learn about the Madras Downtown Association.

Welcome to the heart of Central Oregon—Madras! Here at the Madras Downtown Association (MDA), we’re dedicated to turning this beloved town into a thriving, vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike. From the scenic views of the Cascade Mountains to our downtown lined with unique shops, eateries, and art, Madras offers a welcoming, small-town feel paired with endless adventure.

Who We Are

The MDA is a community-driven, nonprofit organization fueled by our passion for local businesses, cultural diversity, and the people who make Madras a place we’re all proud to call home. With a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity, we work with small businesses, local artists, and residents to create opportunities for connection, growth, and creativity right here in downtown Madras.

Our mission is simple: to enhance the economic vitality of Madras, preserve its rich cultural heritage, and foster a fun, safe, and environmentally-conscious downtown that serves as a hub for everything Central Oregon has to offer. We’re here to build relationships, spark inspiration, and celebrate the best parts of living, working, and playing in Madras.

Our Core Values

• Community-Driven – At the MDA, we believe in building together. Every initiative, event, and program is designed to uplift our town and strengthen connections between businesses, residents, and visitors.

• Cultural Diversity – We celebrate Madras’s unique blend of cultures, honoring the contributions of the diverse communities who make our town so vibrant and dynamic.

• Adventure-Ready – Located in the heart of Central Oregon’s stunning landscapes, Madras is a gateway to unforgettable experiences—from hiking trails and scenic drives to the annual First Thursdays featuring live music, food vendors, and local artists!

What the MDA does

At the MDA, our work spans a wide range of year-round initiatives designed to make downtown Madras a thriving center for commerce, culture, and community. Supporting and promoting local businesses is at the heart of what we do. We connect small business owners with valuable resources, offer marketing support, and provide networking opportunities that build lasting relationships across industries.

Our community events are another major part of our mission to bring vibrancy to downtown. Our events are crafted to create unforgettable experiences while driving local commerce.

Beyond events, we’re continually working to improve downtown Madras with a range of resources, from business support and volunteer initiatives to advocacy for sustainable and eco-friendly practices that align with our community’s values. We’re here to foster growth, bring people together, and ensure that downtown Madras remains a welcoming and innovative place for everyone who lives, works, or visits.

Signature Events

Our events bring the spirit of Madras to life! From our much-anticipated First Thursdays where you can catch live music, grab delicious eats, and shop local crafts, to seasonal festivals and family-friendly gatherings, there’s always something happening downtown.

Support Local Businesses

MDA members receive exclusive perks like vendor discounts, networking opportunities, and free promotion on our website, social media, and blog. As an MDA member, you’re not just joining an organization—you’re becoming part of a support network built on passion, purpose, and pride in Madras’s local economy.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our community wouldn’t be the same without our amazing volunteers! Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor looking to give back, our Friends of the MDA program offers an option for individuals who want to get involved, make connections, and help create meaningful change in downtown Madras.