Originally posted 7.15, updated 7.16 with a new flyer —
Whitewater will have a new public market, held each Tuesday from 3-7 PM near the Cravath Arch, beginning this Tuesday (7.21) through October.
Best wishes for the success of the market, with appreciation to those who have worked to bring about this good idea for Whitewater.
I will be curious to see if this idea pans out. I have passed by the Saturday farmer’s market site numerous times and it doesn’t appear that there are many vendors there nor have I ever seen a preponderance of shoppers. Maybe I just missed the busy hour (or 30 minutes) but if, in fact, this market is sparsely attended, I wonder why DTWW thinks a second offering will do any better?
It’s a good question. Some people aren’t able to attend the Saturday market, which starts very early (8 a.m.). And others wish for a venue that isn’t a parking lot. As one of the planners, I’d offer this: we see community people shopping at the market and meeting up with friends with no place to sit and talk… we’d like to provide that place. And the existing vendors want a midweek market for their produce, because it ripens continuously. We’re happy to create that community space.
Their goal here will be to benefit from, and to bolster, the area near Cravath as a venue. They’ve some conditions in their favor: the lake is a beautiful (and distinctive to Whitewater), and there has been gradual success making the lakefront & places nearby spots to visit for restaurants, music, and most notably our Independence Day holiday. I think the undertaking can be nurtured to maturity; a combination of creativity and doggedness can produce a sustainable market. A group of the city-market volunteers presented on the topic to Council during the 7.7.15 session. They’ve evidently thought carefully about their undertaking (more, in fact, than have some other groups with greater resources). I’ll admit I’ve a fondness for the project. Here’s hoping for a positive result.
Depends on how much traffic they can get plus keep up.
Good point. That’s why having Downtown Whitewater behind it is a good thing. With a full-time manager, the “keeping up” part will be possible.
I know that location is only one component, but they have definitely picked a good spot.It’s a nice idea for our town.