By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
On the heels of a successful pilot launch last year, Downtown Whitewater’s City Market is returning for a second go-around this year.
The civic organization launched the City Market during the second half of last year’s warm weather season, and decision-makers said they were pleased by the reception from the community.
In addition to the traditional farmers market offerings, City Market featured a number of activities and programs during the first year of its truncated season.
This year, Downtown Whitewater is planning to increase the market’s presence with a greater footprint and the likelihood of more venders throughout the first full season. During last year’s launch, 45 vendors were on hand; this year, the number of participants is expected to increase from 55 to 70 vendors.
City Market’s expansion plans were discussed at a Common Council meeting April 7 and were approved.
Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell presented the council with several street closure requests, which have the backing of city staffers, to help facilitate the expansion plans.
Beginning Tuesday, May 3 — the first day the market kicks off its second season — several streets within the area will be closed to through traffic to accommodate vendors and visitors. The closures will continue Tuesdays through the market’s completion Oct. 25.
As part of the council-approved plans, Whitewater Street will be closed from the eastern edge of the Fremont Street intersection to just west of the Denny K parking lot.
Also, portions of Second Street will be closed, from Whitewater Street to the southern edge of the Center Street intersection.
To keep tabs on this year’s City Market, visit Downtown Whitewater’s website, www.downtownwhitewater.com.
