Back in March, I wrote about the upcoming “Riverside Public Market” opening in Presque Isle on Thursday, May 15th. Well, the public market is opening on schedule and in spite of ongoing, challenging, springtime weather that had some of the organizers really worried about the “Grand Opening.”
The Presque Isle Riverside Public Market has started with 12 outstanding and dedicated vendors offering a wide array of products ranging from potted plants to stained glass works of art. As the weather continues to improve, the market’s offerings will expand, as well.
In an effort to draw more buyers to our community market, we’ve secured several very large and airy tents; we’ve decorated them and the surrounding access ways with signs, colorful banners and waving flags heralding the Riverside Public Market. The Organizing Committee and our sponsors, the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee, have also partnered with a number of non-profit and for-profit groups to offer exciting and helpful demonstrations regarding developing and maintaining healthy lifestyles within our community.
The following vendors will be participating in the Market starting May 15th. Stewart Farms, Salmon Brook Valley, Ayer’s Farm Market, Promise Pretzels of Maine, Blue & White Farms, Mapleton Flower Farm, Design by Samantha, Jonas & Katie Gingerich, Constantino Freitas, Hidden Meadow Farm, Misfit Farm and Snow Country Creations /P.W. Sweetser Farms.
Public markets, all around the country, are the rage. Our vision…a self-sustaining public market will feature fresh, locally sourced foods and products prepared by the creative minds and hands of local growers and artisans. These unique and wonderful hand crafted products are brought to us directly from a diverse group of Aroostook County’s creative economy & people. This public market vision includes small, local farmers, specialty foods producers and craftsmen coming together to create a vibrant marketplace that will let people from all walks of life taste, buy and understand the nutritional value of locally grown foods and products.
Remember, the Riverside Public Market will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from Noon to 6:00 p.m. every week until fall, when products are no longer available.
Please! Come and visit, support our local vendors and artisans. Success breeds success …we’re working hard to make this a “place to be,” where you can shop and meet friends, visit the nearby shops and restaurants and enjoy the bounty of northern Maine!
Ken Arndt is Presque Isle’s director of planning and development. He can be reached at 760-2727 or via email at karndt@presqueisleme.us.
