Saturday marks eight weeks since Destin's Main Street Market took root along Main Street, and organizer Amy Holt couldn't be happier with the support they have received.
"The response from the community has been tremendous," said Holt, who operates the market with her husband Tom. "We're trying to get vendors that are local, and that are producing their own produce — lettuce off their balconies, flowers in their backyards."
During Saturday's market, Holt had 11 vendors present and they showcased everything from fresh tomatoes, greens and other produce to jams, jellies, local honey, fresh seafood and antiques.
Despite being a "new concept" for the city, the market already has a waiting list of vendors that want to participate, Holt says. The market calls the green space in front of Destin Water Users home.
"I do see the potential," she said. "We are a growth in progress."
As the market takes root, plans have already been put in place to expand onto the lot next to the market.
Mayor Sam Seevers is a regular visitor along Main Street and said the market is more than a place to buy goods and support locals. She likened it to the city's dog park.
"It brings more of a social environment than it actually does buying and selling," she said. "It's a place to gather and it adds to the quality of life of Destin."
Destin's Main Street Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday rain or shine. For more information about the market visit www.destinsmainstreetmarket.com or find them on Facebook.
While the market is still in its infancy, Holt urges visitor to be patient as they continue to work out some of the wrinkles that come along with organizing an event. So if fresh produce is something you are yearning for, stop by the market and say hello.
"This is what it's all about," Holt said. "Come to the market, get your eggs, get your milk, get your produce, get your bread for the week, have a little lunch and sit down on the lawn."
"Be community minded," she added. "Come be part of the community, while at the same time meeting the community."
HAVE AN OPINION?
The Town Center CRA Advisory Committee is planning to reach out to businesses and residents in the Town Center CRA to seek ideas about what can be done to stimulate the micro economy within the Town Center mixed use district, which is centered along Main Street. Interested stakeholders are invited to come to the committee's regular meeting June 19 at 5:30 p.m. The town center's boundaries are Airport Road to the north and east, U.S. Hwy. 98 to the south, and Beach Drive to the west.