The Wonder Project

The “Wunder Markets,” have served as a platform for small and locally owned businesses and as a means to generate revenue for the creation of Green Spaces in our City. In 2018, we hosted the first annual Winter Market - inspired by the centuries old European tradition of ‘Chriskindlmarkts’ or ‘Weihnachtsmarkts,’ our first event hosted 50+ small and locally owned businesses, an estimated 4,000 attendees. The notable success of this event prompted the expansion of the concept to offer Spring, Summer, and Autumn markets, and to develop community oriented programs within the framework of the market itself. We offered baking contests, live music and performances by local talent, and a host of children’s activities. With the support of our community and the blessing of the Mayor and Conway Chamber of Commerces, the Markets quickly became a thread in the fabric of our community, and helped to bring awareness to the importance of community lead projects, public Green Spaces, and a robust local economy!

After the onset of Covid-19, it was evident that we would be unable to safely host this series of markets without knowing more about transmission and the steps we might take in order to ensure the safety of our community. In response, we cancelled our Spring, Summer, and Autumn Events. As such, it is our hope that shifting the way we host markets might allow us to move forward with events that maintain the integrity and purpose of the market series, contribute to a vibrant local economy, and ensure the health and wellbeing of our community. While we had our hearts set on the prospect of hosting our third annual Winter Market to finish up the very weird 2020 year, we have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of our community members that we shift our focus to 2021, playing a supportive role to other local community organizations for the remainder of the year.
We appreciate your patience in this critical time of adjustment and uncertainty. We have spent the past few months assessing our values as an organization finding the best, most socially responsible path forward.
The Wunder Markets were founded with the basic goal of highlighting the value of a sustained local economy through local farmers, small business owners, artisans and craftspeople in Central Arkansas. This has been in addition to creating a family-friendly space to shop, eat and stroll while helping to grow funds for our Community Green Space Initiative.
In keeping with this core objective, we would like to share the exciting news that we have formed a nonprofit, The Wonder Project, to support both Wundermarkets, now Wonder Markets, and the Green Space Initiative. In lieu of hosting our Winter Market, The Wonder Project will provide monetary and hands on support for other local nonprofits and community organizations who are working to make our community a more wonderful place to live. Stay tuned for more information about that as well as other ideas as we go.
From our families to yours,
Jacqueline Smith and The Wonder Project