Every Saturday for the past 4 years, Conroe has held Main Street Market in front of the old courthouse. Normally, close to forty vendors set up, crafts, food, jewelry, farm fresh goods, and much more. The organizer for the event, who holds the Conroe permit, is Farraly Withrow. She said this morning, only half the vendors attended due to the protest. Vendors say that any time a protest happens, customers avoid the area and sales tank. Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz, who was out with his officers this morning monitoring the protest, said there had been issues with the protestors, who numbered close to 300. He said many are a national group, but there are also local protestors. He also agreed that when the protests happen, the street in front of the courthouse where the vendors had set up is bare. Local teachers, first responders, and citizens come out hoping to earn some extra money to make ends meet. Many motorists passed by protestors blowing horns, which got the crowd active. However, it was also evident that many were avoiding the area, thinking there would be a lot of traffic. Traffic was very light going through town. The protest ends at noon. However, the vendors will be there until 2 pm. Buckholtz said he shops there often, and when the protest was over today, he planned on walking through and opening his billfold.
