OKGO Market seeing huge growth
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The OKGO Market makes it possible to find olive oil, artwork, t-shirts, birdhouses, and plasma-cut barrels under one roof.
"OKGO Market is showcasing all of the wonderful products that are made here in the state of Oklahoma," said organizer Erik-Michael Collins.
A market that has grown exponentially, two years ago it was called TulsaGo and had 58 merchants.
The market was so successful, word spread across the state.
Now, there are over 200 merchants vending from 56 cities across Oklahoma.
"We are here today, basically showing everyone what we’re about," said Bethany Kirby from Broken Arrow.
The market has vendors from different trades, like Jessica Nguyen from Muskogee and her line of gourmet-infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
"It’s nice to see other Oklahoma vendors around," said Delynda Kibler from Crescent.
Nguyen and Kibler have young businesses and are first-time vendors at OKGO.
Other first-time vendors have set up to represent their older businesses.
"115 years, yeah I guess that’s forever," said Len Wade, operations manager of Ike's Chili.
Ike's Chili may be over 100 years old, but this was their first time here too, ready to see what it's all about with 1,000 pounds of chili in tow.
"We talked about it when we got here, it’s kind of a dignified flea market of sorts if you think about it," Wade said.
As for turnout, that'll be a new experience for many of the vendors here as well.
"It's interesting now that things are kind of slowing down with Covid a little bit to kind of see what normal is supposed to be like," said Nguyen.
The magnificent growth of OKGO is a reflection of the quality of made-in-Oklahoma products and the demand for shopping locally.
"People have been wonderful here. I have never enjoyed myself so much, of my life, as I have here. I just love Oklahoma," said vendor Harry Kimball.
