Marietta local Ash Williams presented her selection of arranged bouquets at Shop, Swap, and Stroll in a variety of sizes for any special occasion. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

LOWELL — The first of four Shop, Swap, and Stroll events was held in Lowell at Buell Island on Wednesday.

The event is in its third year after COVID and takes place on the first Wednesday during May through August.

The event is put on each year by Elanda Fliehman and a group of unofficial committee members who are close friends. Fliehman jokingly stated that the event is a “COVID afterthought” because they were trying to find ways to get everyone back together and spend time outdoors.

“We’re not a farmer’s market, we’re just a group of people that want to get together,” said Fliehman. “We’re not charging for the event, you just come and set up.”

Fliehman stated that they usually have a huge turnout with up to 50 vendors in attendance. The park was lush with soft grass and bustling with locals selling homemade foods and products.

Diane Williams sold flower arrangements along with delicious baked goods for the event Wednesday. She said that her lemon bars are a crowd favorite and the neighboring vendors couldn’t stay away. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Guests could expect to enjoy baked goods, breads, ice cream and more while strolling around and purchasing hand-crafted items.

Vendors from all over the area come to Buell Island to present guests with things like macrame plant hangers, crocheted animals and flower pots full of colorful flowers.

“The village charges $5 for a food vendor and that’s just because of policy,” she said.

Some crowd favorites included lemon bars and cookies made by Diane Fulton who said that she spent all evening baking for the event today.

Also in attendance was local historian and author Ian Matthew Hamilton and his father, Shawn Hamilton.

A vendor tent was full of handmade macrame items that ranged from decor to keychains to hanging baskets for indoor plants. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Ian presented a few of his works which included a 700-page book titled “Lowell, Ohio: History & Memories” which includes photographs and historical records of Lowell.

Ian and Shawn are working on a book about the veterans in the area and they said it’s expected to be around 1,000 pages.

“It took a couple of years and at one point I was working on it for about 16 hours a day,” said Ian. “It’s all from sources like old newspaper articles, people and word of mouth, and Ebay.”

The father and son duo asked that any veteran history of Adams Township and Lowell be sent to them by emailing ihamilton93@mail.com or by calling 740-896-3179.

Fliehman has hopes to continue expanding the event and wants people to stop by and enjoy the park and meet the vendors.

Shop, Swap, and Stroll is in its third year and takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from May through August. Held at Buell Island, the event runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“We see a lot more people and we have done well,” said Fliehman. “I’d always come over here and walk and I’d go by this park and see it wasn’t being used. Shop, swap, and I’m strolling.”

Buell Island is located on East Market Street in Lowell and is open to the community throughout the summer.

Buell Island park was packed on Wednesday night with vendors selling all kinds of products. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Lowell historians and authors Ian Hamilton, left, and his father Shawn Hamilton, right, were at Shop, Swap, and Stroll to talk with guests and showcase their works. (Photo by Amber Phipps)