The market, which occurs every one or two months, gives regional vendors commercial space and offers interactive services such as 10-minute sessions from Mankato-based Cambium Therapeutics.

Music by Danielle Deopere of More Than Music opened the schedule, followed by the duo Brady & Eavan. Deopere and her daughter, 14-year-old Evelyn Nosbush, ran a booth to support training for Marshmallow, a seven-month-old Labrador retriever.

Marshmallow is in training at Creating New Tails in Florida. The facility uses protocols similar to explosive detection to train dogs to identify trace latex scents.

Deopere and Nosbush have severe latex allergies that can cause anaphylaxis from airborne particles in items such as balloons and rubber bands.

New Ulm ninth-grader Evelyn Nosbush holds a fundraising flyer at the Music & Makers market Saturday at Lykke Books. Nosbush and her family are raising $42,000 for "Marshmallow," a Labrador retriever being trained to detect latex. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“The balloons, the powder, gets in the air and then cause anaphylaxis,” Deopere said.

Deopere said public spaces remain a challenge even though Evelyn attends New Ulm Public Schools.

“The dog will really bring the anxiety levels down because we’re hyper-vigilant when we’re out in public.”

The family’s booth at Saturday’s market raised $669. Overall, the family has raised $23,525 toward a $42,000 goal since launching the campaign in January.

An opening in the training schedule has shortened the timeline by six to eight months. The family will travel to Florida for two weeks of handler instruction.

Shoppers browse the shelves and vendor pop-ups at Lykke Books during the recurring Music & Makers market. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Merchandise at the booth included laser-cut wooden jewelry by Ryan Nosbush, screen-printed T-shirts by Ross Deopere, and items donated by local businesses.

Deopere, a virtual special education teacher with Minnesota Connections Academy, said the dog will provide environmental clearance in public settings.

“I’m excited to be able to feel safer in my environment,” Nosbush said. “She’s going to tell me whether I can go into places or not instead of me just going in and finding out.”

Other vendors included Top Hat Candle Company of Sleepy Eye and Chris Weymann of Weymann’s Pretzels.

Weymann, an educator in St. James and a New Ulm native, is the grandson of George and Alice Weymann. They operated the City Meat Market at Minnesota and Center streets until 1988. The business was established in 1927 by Rosa Schnobrich.

Michelle Sowers, left, and Reese Klawitter perform for attendees at Lykke Books during the Music & Makers market on Saturday. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Additional participants included Mark Krambeer, who displayed hand-painted feathers, and Woof ‘Em Down Bakery, which offered all-natural dog treats.

Tammy Klawitter, event organizer for Lykke Books, said the market provides low-cost retail opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“I love bringing in local vendors. They bring such a fun and diverse energy to our Music and Makers event at Lykke Books,” Klawitter said.

The bookstore will host its next event this Saturday at 9 a.m. in coordination with Martin Luther College. The program will promote the theatrical production of Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” and include a puppet show and craft activities.

Deopere said the service dog will benefit the whole family.

“It’ll benefit our whole family and I mean the allergy limits us as a family, so it will bring less anxiety when we’re going to different unknown locations.”

Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page titled “Help Evelyn Get a Life-Saving Service Dog” or via Venmo at @Danielle-Deopere.