By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Kittie Corral has partnered with Jen’s Markets & Events one last time to bring the Artisan Summer Market South Shore, Aug. 29. The huge indoor shopping event, featuring more than 100 vendors, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Wimauma Convention Center, 5408 State Road 674, Wimauma. Admission and parking are free.
This shopping extravaganza — a fundraiser for Kittie Corral, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to rescue, save and find homes for sick, injured or stray felines — supports local mom-and-pop businesses. And for residents it’s an opportunity to find unique products for the home or gifting.
“There will be something for everyone,” said Kittie Corral founder Angelite Gallinat. “We’ll have just about anything you can imagine for yourself, your home or for gifting.”
Vendors will be selling baked goods, sourdough breads, hummus and tabouli; coffees, lattes, candles and leather goods; boutique apparel, CBD products, woodworking, health & beauty aids and cosmetics; signs, linens, gift baskets and donated collectible items and knick knacks; rock oil candles, ice cream, Hair Glitz Fairy Hair and local, raw honey from Sam’s Honey Bees. Others will offer information on their services, including Suncoast Fire & Safety, Apollo Beach Dentistry, Power Home Remodeling, Floor & Décor and J.E. Enterprises. Frank “the Geezer” Hughlett will provide entertainment.
Four outdoor food trucks will be on hand as well: The Wing Wagon, Brandon BBQ, Quail Run Coffee and Brooklyn Ice.
"Our Artisan Summer Market is about bringing people together," said Jennifer McCafferty, organizer of Jen's Market.
"We're proud to provide a venue where local artisans, makers, nonprofits, musicians and small businesses can thrive while giving our community a fun, affordable event to enjoy."
Last year’s attendance was estimated at 4,000 and 5,000.
About Kittie Corral
The Wimauma-based nonprofit rescues and finds permanent homes for 75 to 100 cats and kittens each year. It’s currently also fostering around 20 cats and kittens, eight medically needy cats, a rescue dog and a medically needy dog.
“We are desperate for financial support,” Gallinat said.
“Our accounts have been drained by these animals. Every penny we net from our fundraisers goes directly toward animal care, and sponsorships are available for the ones needing lifelong care.”
Kittie Corral is always in need of folks willing to foster a cat or kitten at its expense. Fosterers pay nothing out of pocket for food, supplies or medical care.
You can help support the charity by making a tax-deductible donation; donating cash or supplies, and, especially, by adopting a cat.
Kittie Corral additionally supports 45 cats and 26 dogs whose owners live in poverty and four ferals living nearby. You can support this effort by dropping off unopened bags and/or cans of any food brand to special bins at the Sun City Center Security Patrol, Bogg’s Jewelry or Pet Supermarket. The latter two also accept cash donations.
For information or to make a cash donation, visit https://kittiecorral.org/, email kittiecorral@gmail.com or call 813-731-6303.
About Jen’s Markets
Owned and operated by Jennifer McCafferty since 2009, Jen’s Markets and events began with a Christmas in July market in Sun City Center. At peak, McCafferty operated seven markets in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee. Her last full market in South Shore was in Apollo Beach in early 2025.
The upcoming Artisan Summer Market will be the “last hurrah” for Jen’s Markets & Events. McCafferty is retiring to care for her husband, Dan, who has advancing Parkinson’s disease. She will also be selling herbs and seasoning salts from their two-acre, Happy Hoe Farm in Macon, Ga., and writing a cookbook.