Barefoot Nellie & Co.
The BLVD Project and Rossville Downtown Development Authority are hosting the last open-air market of the summer on Friday from 4-8 p.m. There will be a live performance by Barefoot Nellie, with food and alcohol available for purchase from Amigos at Peerless Mill.
Guests can expect a wide variety of other retailers, including produce, flowers, original artwork, and consumable goods.
The markets have drawn crowds of hundreds of people, with many residents requesting for them to continue. Due to the popular demand, the monthly markets will resume this fall, opening on the first Friday of October, November and December at 207 Chickamauga Ave.
The monthly markets will each have their own themes, with a “taco tour” fiesta in October, a fall theme in November, and a holiday market in December. The executive director of The BLVD Project, Heather Herweyer, said the group decided to host open-air markets after completing a series of workshops led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The workshops were granted to a select few cities across the country to stimulate economic development, repurpose vacant lots, and increase community access to fresh produce.
“A market in this area seemed like it would have the most potential to lead to future development," said Ms. Herweyer. "Residents in our area are always traveling to other parts of Chattanooga/North Georgia to have fun and procure goods. We wanted to test our hypothesis that if fun events were offered in our area, people would stay here and spend their money on our local businesses here."
Executive Director for Rossville Downtown Development Authority, Tobey Hill, says the markets will give residents a chance to “feel Rossville.” “This event gives us a much-needed opportunity to be a destination - even if it is just for a few hours. We want people to begin to see and experience Rossville differently, and I think this outdoor market series will be a vital step forward in inviting people to come in and experience our community."
Local business owner Jay Martin says the events are a welcomed change. “As a new business in Rossville, Flora de Mel is thrilled to see more light coming to the area. Artists' markets bring energy, creativity, and much needed love to downtown Rossville, and we very much look forward to participating."
The BLVD is a group of neighbors, businesses, property owners, and passionate citizens. Several sponsors are committed to the inaugural markets, including Bridge Innovate, Simply Bank, and CSL Plasma. To sponsor a fall market, email heather@theblvdproject.com.