The BLVD Project is a grassroots organization that seeks to improve safety, transportation, aesthetics, and the business environment along the Rossville BLVD corridor. The corridor begins at the I-24 overpass and continues 2.2 miles south to the TN/GA State Line. The group is partnering with the Rossville Downtown Development Authority to host a series of Open Air Market events this summer, to be held on the first Friday of June, July, and August.
The Open-Air Market is the second joint effort from the two cities that sit across the border from each other. They recently partnered to host a successful State Line Clean up Day in April. The BLVD Project initially pitched this idea after completing the Local Foods Local Places strategic planning workshop in September. The workshop sought to discover ways to address the food desert for residents of 37407 and increase accessibility to locally grown foods to those in the neighborhood. Piloting an open-air market was one of the recommendations that came from the group. Currently, the closest farmers market is on Main Street or the downtown markets on the weekends. There can be logistical and cultural barriers for residents of North Georgia and the far south corner of Chattanooga in accessing these locations.
The groups hope to give locals in the area a fun reason to gather and enjoy their downtown that continues to undergo layers or renovation. The market is seeking vendors to sell locally grown produce, artisan crafts, etc. The market will feature a live band and have food/alcohol sales. Many of the local businesses in the area have stepped up to sponsor the market.
"Our residents are really looking forward to having something fun and positive to attend in our part of town," said Heather Herweyer, director of The BLVD Project. "Often, we're driving to other parts of town to get the services and goods we want. It's really exciting to have an opportunity to keep our money here, keep it local."
The group hopes to give locals in the area a fun reason to gather and enjoy their downtown that continues to undergo layers or renovation.
The event will be held on the Georgia side on a grassy lot at 207 Chickamauga Ave., Rossville, on Fridays June 3, July 1, and Aug. 5 from 4-8 p.m.