Hardyston to host TREP$ marketplace

Kids will be drawn to Slimezz Slime, Bath Bomb Boutique, and Sticky Squishy Stress Balls. Paige’s Pencil Toppers, Terrific Tye Dye, and Dziadzius Jam are just a few of the items that will appeal to shoppers of any age.

All these items and more will be available for purchase to the cash-carrying members of the public attending of the second annual TREP$ Marketplace at the Hardyston Township Middle School in Hamburg on Friday, Dec. 6, from 7-9 p.m. (snow date Dec. 9).

Mike Ryder, Chief School Administrator, will officiate marketplace opening ceremony at 6:50 p.m.

The TREP$ Marketplace is a unique market style event featuring vendors that are children ages 10-14. Over the past six weeks, 50 Hardyston middle schoolers have been participating in the award-winning TREP$ after-school program (ww.trepsed.com) where they learned the basics of entrepreneurship, including product development and marketing. On Friday, Dec. 6, they will launch their own products for sale to the public.

"Entrepreneurship education through TREP$ is an empowering self-esteem builder that gives kids a greater sense of control over their lives and futures," states Anita Collins, president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Hamburg. “With the support of the community, the young participants of TREP$ will learn the benefits of owning their own enterprise and creating new products for their community.”

The event is free and open to the public. The entire community is invited to come and see what happens when you give children the creative outlet and responsibility that comes with starting a business venture.