by J.O. Parker
 
     Mark your calendar for the upcoming Roots Market at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The first 50 shoppers will receive a fun swag bag.
       The market is under the direction of Channing Fraker, owner of Channing’s Customs and Company, which is located at 803 4th Avenue in Grinnell. 
      “Now that I have my brick and mortar building in Grinnell,” said Fraker. “I wanted to bring an event to town for my customers in the community.”
       The market is based off a similar event which is called Roots and River Market and is currently held in Marengo in the fall.
       “We have had three successful events that have brought us 450 shoppers in Marengo,” said Fraker. “It made sense to bring that kind of event to Grinnell.”
        Some of the items that will be available for sale at the Grinnell event include custom signs, woodworking, boutique clothing, fragrances and vintage goods.
            There will also be a coffee truck, food truck, adult beverage truck and live music.
          Channing’s Customs and Company is a marketplace that offers hand-crafted, vintage and repurposed gifts and décor.
            “I have over 10 Iowa-based small businesses selling their goods at my store,” said Fraker.
            The store opened in 2024 and moved to its current location in the spring of 2025.
            Admission fee to the market is $8 with $2 being donated to Mason’s Light House.
        “We hope to see everyone at the first Roots Market,” said Fraker. “Come enjoy hand-crafted and boutique good, live music, food and drinks from local vendors.”
            For more information, contact Fraker at [email protected].