Frog's at Magnolia Beach gas station dedicated its April farmers market to Autism Awareness, drawing more than thirty vendors and food stands who turned out Friday evening to support Livingston's local autistic community.
With over eighteen food stands and fifteen vendors, no one left the market empty-handed! Each stand featured something different but no less important to the cause, with some vendors handing out free Autism Awareness pins and bracelets while others offered all manner of sensory fidget toys, crocheted plush animals, and books for all ages.
As the market went on, patrons were encouraged to try out all the different food options available to them – from Simply Grai’s Pretty Pastries to The Sunshine Stand’s fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Croffels, and every Macarod’s Macaroon in between!
From Gioia Terra to Nancy’s Fishing Bar, there were vendor stalls for everyone, each offering unique and proud creations that celebrate the diversity of the human experience and the wonderful joy everyone brings to the community – especially when working together.
“There truly aren’t enough words to express how much it meant to us to see our community show up for one another,” Sweet & Salty Sloth noted on their Facebook page. “The love, kindness, and support that filled the space was something really special.”
Many stands that sold clothing and hair bows, including The Sunflower Boutique and Kajun Kweens Designs, noted their soft materials and durable fabrics, made to offer comfort and hold up through all of life’s challenges.
Chapter Twenty, the mobile bookstore, also made an appearance to offer not only good books but a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the market.
“Support doesn’t always have to look like a booth or a business. Sometimes it looks like showing up,” Pazia May McGuire, owner of Creations By Gourmet Girl, stated on her own post. “It’s about community, connection, supporting, and standing behind causes that truly matter.”
For the little ones, a bouncy castle, complete with blow-up spires and slides, was set up next to a sensory sand stand with six different color sands to play with. An open-wheeled, modified R5 racecar, positively decked out in Autism Awareness stickers and logos for Autism-focused sports groups, was also taking a pit stop at the market to support in style.
Frog's Farmers Market is held on the fourth Saturday of every month at 6865 Magnolia Beach Rd. in Denham Springs.
