Bothell Like a Local: Sarah Frost of Making Local Markets

Sarah Frost is the founder of Making Local Markets, the outdoor pop-up event that brings together 100+ local makers, artists, and small food businesses in the heart of Bothell. What started as a way to stay close to the maker community she loved has grown into one of the city's favorite recurring gatherings — and a genuine showcase of everything Bothell's small business scene has to offer.

Ahead of the next Making Local Markets, Sarah shares how the market came to be, what first-timers shouldn't miss, and her own go-to spots for a perfect day around town.

[Q] Tell me a little about yourself, how long you've lived in the PNW, and how you got involved with Making Local Markets.

“I’m born and raised in the PNW and moved up to the North end in the early 2010’s. My husband and I moved to Bothell in 2018 and really enjoyed living there! I was working a full time job and participating in maker market style events with my macrame business (side hustle). When COVID hit, I realized that I didn’t really enjoy the side hustle-making as much any more but I loved the community of makers that it was filled with! I kept thinking, how do I get to hang out with all these amazing people but not have to make things… and the answer was in hosting events myself! At the time I started the Making Local Markets, there was a gap in events being hosted in the area and I think it came at just the right time — September of 2021, right when the PNW was opening up from COVID restrictions.”

[Q] With 100+ vendors, how do you curate such a diverse mix, and what can visitors expect to find that they might not see anywhere else?

“I love curating events and seeing all the incredible products that this super creative community comes up with. Most of the time, it’s fairly naturally curated by the vendors that submit applications, but I try to be super intentional about not having too many of the same type or style of product, try to consider the season, and always seek to welcome new vendors to each event — there’s always something new to discover! Visitors can expect to find a great mix of items for all types of people — which sounds generic, but it’s not. You’ll find: Practical items - like clothing, pottery, bags, woodwork; Food - food truck style but also baked goods, sauces, snacks, sweets; Art - fine art, digital art, cards, 3D art, you name it; Jewelry - all kinds, for all types of people, metal, gemstones, laser cut, fabric, beaded, and more. I could go on!”

[Q] Is there a vendor or product at the market you think is a "must-see" for first-time visitors?

“I think you should visit the markets with the idea that it’s a chance to explore and experience the creativity in our community — taste the sauce you haven’t had before, try the food from the food vendors even if you’re not familiar with it, (kindly) touch a piece of pottery with a cool looking texture, find a punny card and show it to a friend, just wander and enjoy and delight in all the amazing things being made by hand — by the hands (and brains, hearts, tools, ya know…) in our neighborhoods. For a first-time visitor, I’d say pace yourself! It’s a big market with a lot to see and so many incredible vendors to check out.”

[Q] How has the market grown or changed since it started, and what does that say about Bothell's small business scene? 

“The Making Local Markets have more or less doubled since it started. At the first ever event, there were about 60 vendors. Now, we average between about 100-120 at most of them! Bothell shows up for these markets — I think that there’s a great community of supporters here that see the value of small businesses and I hope they continue to support the small businesses in the area in addition to the pop-up events like mine.”

[Q] Fall is such a great time in the PNW — what does that season bring out in the market and in Bothell overall?

“Fall is my favorite! I love that Bothellites aren’t afraid of a little rain and will still go out and be in the community no matter the weather. This year will be the 4th annual Crow Fest, initially started by another small, local, Main Street business — CoCapsules — as a partnership with Making Local Markets. We’re bringing it back again this October for all the fun harvest, crow, fall festival vibes!”

[Q] What's your personal favorite way to spend a day in Bothell when you're not running the market? What other Bothell spots might you send people to before or after the market?

“I’d start with a walk on the Sammamish River Trail (it really is the best), then swing by and explore the Pop Shops on Main, grab a macaron ice cream sandwich from Tanatha at Ooh Macarons (she used to be a vendor at the market!), grab some delicious Thai food from Chantanee Thai followed by a beer at The Bine — or, enjoy food and the best cocktails at Kro Bar! I love recommending restaurants and our great bars on Main Street and on Bothell-Everett Highway — Amaro (my husband and I regularly go here for dinner post market), Julio’s, The Cottage — so many great options!”

[Q] What does being a Bothell local mean to you?  

“Bothell holds a super special place in my heart. I think Bothell has a vibe that is hard to quantify — it’s outdoorsy (but not only in a hiking way), it loves local (without being pretentious), it’s filled with people who see and value small businesses and getting outside with friends and family.”

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Header image provided by @makinglocalmarkets