Emporium plans for entertaining event

SANDUSKY — A free carnival aims to celebrate a new indoor community hub. Mark your calendars from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1 at 314 W. Market St., Sandusky, as downtown "comes alive with the grand opening of The Emporium at Market Street," according to an event statement. "It's a vibrant all-weather indoor marketplace located in the west side parking lot of the historic Sandusky Register building," it continued. Here are a few key times for this day as explained by the statement: • 4 p.m. — Festivities begin with the highly anticipated Newsstand Bin Art Contest finale. The top five finalists will showcase their transformed newspaper bins, and a panel of judges will select the winner. This imaginative competition celebrates creativity and repurposing, honoring the city's rich artistic spirit. • 4:30 p.m. — A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the official launch of The Emporium This signals the start of a free, family-friendly street festival filled with community celebration. • 5-8 p.m. — Community carnival The celebration will continue with a lively carnival-style event featuring free entertainment for all ages, including: — Live music from New York City-based band KarsToo! and followed by DJ Chosen — Free family entertainment by The Fun Firm, including a caricaturist, balloon twister and face-painter — Balloon decorations provided by Violet Pineapple Balloons, adding festive flair to the celebration — Free giveaways distributed During this time, guests are also invited to enjoy the newly completed mural on the building's exterior—a vibrant tribute to the region's beauty, spirit and identity. Recently featured in the Register, the mural reflects the heart of the city and offers a stunning visual centerpiece to this new community space. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join in the celebration of art, entrepreneurship and revitalization in the heart of Sandusky. Bio blast Mimi Chicotel, CEO of GMA Asset Management Group, which owns the Register building, provided a primer on The Emporium: • What: The Emporium at Market Street is a reimagined indoor space in the historic Register building that blends creativity, commerce and culture. Highlights include: — A boutique-style tattoo studio and personal grooming stations, offering modern services focused on self-expression and personal care — Indoor vendor space for local artists, crafters and entrepreneurs to display and sell their work — A seasonal farmer's market supporting local food producers and small farms — Outdoor accommodations for four to six food trucks, bringing diverse culinary options to the heart of downtown There's a special offer to also celebrate its opening: "Vendor booths are free for the entire month of August, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week," Chicotel said. "This is an open invitation for new and experienced entrepreneurs to try the space, build a following and engage with the community risk-free." Chicotel stressed how The Emporium "operates on flat rates only, never taking a percentage of vendors' sales receipts. It is designed as a platform for true growth and care, ensuring creators and entrepreneurs keep more of what they earn while growing in a supportive, community-driven environment."