Young entrepreneurs to gather at Ogletree Gap Park in Copperas Cove for inaugural OSCAR’S Market

By BRITTANY FHOLER

Cove Leader-Press

The inaugural OSCAR’S Market kicks off Saturday, April 2, at Ogletree Gap Park, where a dozen young entrepreneurs will set up to sell their items in the first farmer’s market featuring child vendors only.

OSCAR stands for Operation Student and Community Advocate Readiness, and this youth farmer’s market, overseen by the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, will be providing local kids an opportunity to develop their brand and create a product or service to display and sell.

Saturday’s market will feature products ranging from lemonade to baked goods to jewelry to bath and body products and children’s toys, as well as balloon animals and even home address curb painting services.

The event will also be family friendly, with activities such as bounce houses and laser tag.

“It’s going to be like a mini carnival for kids, and the famer’s market is of course the number one highlight, so the kids are very excited,” said Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce president Sylvia Spires. “They've got great ideas.”

Some of the 12 budding entrepreneurs include Ben’s Things Galore!, Shaymayzing's Balloons R Us, Kaleo’s Curb Appeal, How the Cooke Crumbles, Inspired By Riley and more.

“This is an inaugural event. It’s the first time, but we're honestly really excited to have that many because it's a very thorough process,” Spires said. “They had to check their business plans. They had to get their sales tax set up, so they've had to go completely legitimate at their ages.”

Spires encouraged the community to come support the young entrepreneurs on Saturday, adding that the Chamber of Commerce is not receiving any profit from this market.

“This is purely to help these kids grow their businesses and expand their confidence in their product and what they can do,” Spires said. “So, we just would really like the community to come out and support them because that's what it's all about.”

The market will also feature special appearances by the Copperas Cove Police and Fire Departments.

This inaugural event is sponsored by Latosha Star, Lions Club International, H-E-B Plus!, The Coolest Air and Freedom Fun.

OSCAR’S Market will be Saturday, April 2, at Ogletree Gap Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.