Small Town, Big Market: Wildflower & Wren returns to downtown Clare

Vintage and boutique items. Handmade and repurposed goods. Farm-fresh products and food trucks. Live music and community spirit. All brought together by a one-day pop-up event that boosts foot traffic—and the local economy—in downtown Clare. That annual summer event is put on by Wildflower & Wren Markets, and it’s all organized by Lacey Badelt. 

On August 10, Badelt is hosting her third annual “Small Town USA Market” at the historic 130-year-old Johnston Elevator mill in downtown Clare. Around 40 local small businesses owners will be offering shopping, food, drinks, and entertainment.

Epicenter chatted with Badelt to learn more about what we can expect from this summer’s staple shopping event.

Courtesy Lacey Badelt / Wildflower & Wren MarketOver 1,000 people attended the 2024 “Small Town USA Market” by Wildflower & Wren Markets in downtown Clare.
Epicenter Mt. Pleasant: For those who haven't heard of the Wildflower & Wren Markets yet, how would you describe it to them? 
Lacey Badelt: For me, it's a celebration of supporting small and dreaming big! These pop-up events bring a lot of excitement to our small town and it really is all about showcasing our rural lifestyle and all the incredibly talented people right here! With the backdrop of the historic grain elevator within a block of our dreamy downtown, I put together a one day pop-up market with multiple hand-picked vendors, LIVE and local musicians and delicious food trucks. I focus specifically on bringing quality products from local artisans and merchants that fit the vibe.  Anything vintage, boutique, handmade, repurposed, and farm fresh is where it's at for W&W Markets!

Epicenter: August 10, 2025 is the 3rd annual "Small Town USA Market." What makes it similar to the past years' and what will make this year's market different? 
Badelt: There is something special about holding an annual event and everyone knowing they can expect an amazing experience! I have worked hard to create a consistent, almost nostalgic feel to the W&W Market events in hopes that they become a tradition to many. I am not sure anything could top the first ever market in 2023 … It was such an incredible feeling and the energy in the entire town was electric! This market, like the rest, will bring all the vibes but we have some new faces and truly unique products that I am so excited to showcase and of course our OG artisans and merchants have been perfecting their craft to really bring their best to the event!

Courtesy Lacey Badelt / Wildflower & Wren MarketShoppers with local vendors at the 2024 “Small Town USA Market.”

Epicenter: There will be a nice variety of vendors—from handmade to farm fresh—including many local small business owners. Can you talk more about the shopping variety that people can experience? 
Badelt: As always, the small businesses that so graciously join me for these events are top notch and seasoned vendors! Each of them brings a unique quality to the market and it is such fun to witness their talents be supported! We have incredible vintage pickers that bring history and flair to historic mill as well as farm fresh products from small homesteads local to us like cut flowers, honey, and fresh produce. Delicious fresh baked goods, quality repurposed furniture, products for home and body, quality boutique items, and home decor for all styles! 

Epicenter: Bringing a thousand people into town for a day makes an impact across the community. Can you tell us more about the positive effect your markets make on the local economy? 
Badelt: We are a small town and having events like at W&W Market that encourage folks to come out, meet up with friends, and just enjoy what Clare has to offer is exactly why W&W Market exists! With the location of the elevator being right on the edge of the downtown district, it allows our guests to park downtown and stroll past our shops and restaurants. All the local businesses are so encouraging and usually join in on the day with sales or fun events in their shops. If you look downtown at any point during the event both sides of the road are full of friendly faces exploring our amazing tiny town!

Courtesy Lacey Badelt / Wildflower & Wren Market“The small businesses that so graciously join me for these events are top notch and seasoned vendors,” shares Lacey Badelt of Wildflower & Wren Markets.

Epicenter: For those wanting to come shop on August 10, what are the details they need to know? 
Badelt: Firstly, following Wildflower & Wren Market on Facebook will keep you in the loop with all things W&W Market! But here's what you need to know for next month's event: Sunday August 10th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at Johnston Elevator (307 N. McEwan St. Clare, MI). General Admission is $5 at the gate (12 & under FREE!) and the gates will open to the general public at 11 a.m. There are Early Bird Tickets available to purchase online ONLY ahead of time. These are very limited so that Early Birds can truly enjoy a small crowd and quality shopping time with our vendors. They are $10 and include early access at 10:30 a.m. and a free gift from W&W. You can purchase them here until they are sold out! 

At the event we will have a couple food trucks with different cuisine options as well as Little Lemon, a local fresh squeezed lemonade vintage trailer! We are also within walking distance of the local brewery, coffee shop and many restaurants making spending the day in Clare easy to plan. We can't wait to see everyone there!