South Milwaukee Downtown Market Returning in 2010; Indoor Spring Market Planned April 10 at Bucyrus
SOUTH MILWAUKEE (February 27, 2010) – The South Milwaukee Downtown Market is returning bigger and better for 2010 after a successful launch last summer.
Organizers made that announcement this week, as they also announced the debut of a one-day Downtown Spring Market at Bucyrus International.
The Downtown Market, located at 11th and Milwaukee Avenues in the heart of South Milwaukee’s city center, will again be held on Thursday afternoon and evenings from June 3 through October 14. It will be open from 3 to 7:30 p.m. in June, July and August and from 3 to 7 p.m. in September and October.
“We’re excited to be coming back this summer,” said Jim Shelenske, co-founder of the market and a Third District alderman in South Milwaukee. “Our success last summer exceeded all expectations – including those of our committee – and we’re anxious to keep that momentum going in 2010. The improvements we’re making will help do that.”
A number of site improvements are planned in 2010.
The market is adding electricity and will grow to use the city-owned property at the corner of 11th and Madison for vendor stalls and picnic tables. Also, the market committee is planning permanent signage, and improvements are planned to 11th Avenue. And the market will become even more of a destination in 2010, offering music, entertainment and special events.
“These upgrades will enhance the experience for shoppers, and they are real proof that we are ‘a farmers’ market and so much more,” Shelenske said.
The Downtown Market debuted last July and quickly grew to become one of the largest markets in the area, attracting more than 40 vendors and hundreds of patrons each week to downtown South Milwaukee for a truly unique shopping experience. Vendors included local farmers, restaurants, jewelry makers, artists and crafters.
A focus was put on attracting downtown South Milwaukee businesses as a way to show off all that area has to offer. And a number took part, including Studio One Art Glass, Wild Flour Bakery, Nona’s Café, Parkway Floral and P.J.’s Variety Store.
“We wanted to deliver an eclectic mix of merchants and shine the spotlight on many of the good things happening in downtown South Milwaukee – and we did that,” said Alderman and market co-founder Erik Brooks. “The market was truly fun for foodies and families, and that will be the case in 2010 and beyond. We’re eager to get going.”
The market is accepting new vendor applications. Cost is $20 per stall per week, or $10 per week for those making a full-season (20-week) commitment. For more information, please visit the Downtown Market website at www.smdowntownmarket.org.
Downtown Spring Market
Organizers also announced the creation of a one-day Downtown Spring Market and Business Fair on Saturday, April 10, at Bucyrus International, 1100 Milwaukee Avenue.
The market, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature many of the same vendors found at the summer version of the market, including produce, food, jewelry, art and craft vendors. It will also feature a South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce Business Fair showcasing some of the city’s top merchants.
The event will be held at the remodeled Bucyrus Heritage Building on 10th Avenue just north of Milwaukee. The hours coincide with those of the Bucyrus History Museum, which is also located in the Heritage Building.
“This is truly a unique event that we think will whet peoples’ appetites for the summer market starting in June,” South Milwaukee Downtown Market Chairman Bob Pfeiffer said. “And I can’t think of a better venue. Bucyrus’ commitment to downtown South Milwaukee is real, and that makes it a perfect fit for what we’re trying to accomplish with the Downtown Market. The business fair only adds to the experience.”
Vendors interested in taking part should visit www.smdowntownmarket.org for an application, and they can contact market co-founder and Fourth District Alderman Erik Brooks at erikbrooks32@yahoo.com or 414-841-8901 for more information.
