CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO OFFERS A WILD WAY TO SHOP LOCAL AT ITS “COMMUNITY CORNER”
Rowena White
From: Rowena White
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 5:57 PM
Subject: CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO OFFERS A WILD WAY TO SHOP LOCAL AT ITS “COMMUNITY CORNER”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Rowena White
CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO OFFERS A WILD WAY TO SHOP LOCAL AT its “COMMUNITY CORNER”
SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES INVITED TO SHOWCASE PRODUCTS & GOODS
BRIDGEPORT,
CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is inviting local makers, creatives, and small businesses to be part of the Community Corner for the 2026 season. This lively weekend pop-up market, located right on zoo grounds, offers a unique opportunity for vendors to showcase
their products, share their stories, and connect with thousands of visitors throughout the summer season.
Running from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Community Corner takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am -3 pm. The beloved market is designed to bring the vibrant spirit of farmer's markets and vendor fairs to the heart of the zoo, providing a pop-up shop space available for rent. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also enhances the zoo experience, offering guests a chance to explore and purchase unique products in a charming farmstand setting.
Vendors in past seasons have included a diverse range of small businesses, from artisans selling handmade jewelry to specialty makers offering soaps, home goods, and locally harvested honey.
“Zoos have always been places where communities come together,” said Dr. Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Community Corner allows us to celebrate that connection by supporting local businesses and creating an even more engaging experience for our guests.”
Businesses interested in participating in Community Corner should note that all products require proper licenses and permits approved by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Brittany Whitham at bwhi...@beardsleyzoo.org or click here to sign up!.
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About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and prairie dog exhibit. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets may be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.
