By Paige Nash

Pickers, bargain shoppers and antique lovers could be found scavenging Highway 371 this past weekend. The 24th annual Main to Main event took place from Friday through Saturday, November 3 –4. The 50-mile route from Sibley to Springhill was full of vendors who set up shops to sell anything and everything from food, homemade crafts, collectibles, antiques and unique art pieces.  

Minden Main Street had a successful turnout with more than 40 vendors offering goods to traveling shoppers. 

“We had a great weekend with over 40 vendors set up on our Main Street lot and several rummage sale vendors in the Sheppard Street lot,” said Minden Main Street Director Taylor Wren. “As I spoke to the vendors, they seemed to be having a successful weekend and were happy with the turn out. I found several great deals for myself.” 

One church, First Baptist Minden, located along Minden Main Street held their 6th Annual Mission Baby Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The theme remained the same with vendors offering baked goods and homemade crafts, but the funds raised from this particular event will benefit families who are trying to adopt or foster. The church raised $20,000 for this mission. 

All was the same for the northern portion of the parish who also had a successful weekend. 

Joining in with the vendors, local shops along both main streets also opened their doors offering specials to the crowds who poured in from the tri-state area.  

“Springhill was on the map this year for Main to Main. We had a very busy, upbeat craft and homemade goods vendor section on the North end of town with 30 local vendors that drew crowds from all over the Ark-La-Tex area,” said Springhill Main Street Director Amy Poladian. “As shoppers made their way down Main Street, they were drawn in by sidewalk sales from businesses like Callie Jo Photography, McConnell and Slattery’s, GG’s Coffee Shop & Classy Collectibles, L&N Boutique, and Sharpe’s. There was a grand opening extravaganza at our area’s newest businesses- Love & Lace Collective, an on-trend children and women’s clothing boutique.” 

With Main to Main now in the books both Minden and Springhill will be preparing for the holiday season and events ahead.