CRESTVIEW — Overcast skies weren't a deterrent Aug. 18 for families to get outside.
The Main Street Crestview Association's block party schedule started with a 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. flea market.
A few side streets were blocked off to through traffic near the Hub City Smokehouse on Main Street and four vendors braved rainy, windy weather during the occasion.
Rebecka Philmon, 2, of Crestview, didn't seem to mind. She made the most of toy cars, trucks and rain puddles near the table her family had set up. They sold clothes, DVDs, games and other items to attendees.
Lori Moser of Southern Charmed Wood made several statements without saying a word. Some of the wooden signs she creates carried such sayings as "Sweet tea goes with anything & nobody eats until we say amen." A red one with a Disney theme began with the words, "In this house, we let it go and just keep swimming…" Others were placards with submitted photos from customers: a softball player, a bride-and-groom photo of a relative's wedding day, and like items.
Marie Forsman, a certified herbalist, and her husband Gregory brought essential oils, food seasonings and other all-natural products they'd grown themselves for their company, Valley of Field Herbals. They also sell Celtic-themed accessories and hangings.
The Forsmans, who had a farm by Buffalo, New York, recently moved to Holt when one of their children had to have major surgery, and the cold affected their health.
"Both of them are thriving here. The heat is much better for them," Marie said.
Why Holt? "We wanted to be in Florida but we wanted to be more in a farming and small town community and we moved to this area," she said. "My husband was also able to transfer here." He is a team lead at Tractor Supply in Crestview.
Also among the vendors was Melissa Hanks, owner of the Ruck Up Cup military-themed mobile coffee stand based in south Crestview. She also sells smoothies, frozen hot chocolate and other drinks, as well as snacks.
The association's block party included a Let's Vote Okaloosa Meet-and-Greet from 4-8 p.m. All candidates and those who had rented a booth to provide political information showed up for the event, but few residents took advantage of the opportunity, according to MSCA Program Manager Sandra Wilson.
She said the organization will have a car show in September and an Oktoberfest the following month.
"(They're) more fun so they should draw more people," she said.
Note: This article was updated to correct the location of Ruck Up Cups. The mobile coffee stand is actually located at 4110 Ferdon Blvd. S, between the Chevy and Ford dealerships.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Main Street Crestview flea market, meet and greet opened despite weather