Changes coming for Saturday market
By Nikasha Dicks
Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Saturday will mark the start of a new season for the Augusta Market at the River, and with it some changes.
The market, formerly the Saturday Market on the River, is in transition this year and is being jointly operated by the Downtown Development Authority and Brooke Buxton, a vendor who is now the market's director.
The market will maintain a nonprofit status, and Buxton will take over market operations fully in 2011.
The market's season and hours have been extended. Beginning Saturday, it will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The season will continue through Oct. 30, with a holiday market Dec. 4.
There are a few additions.
Every Saturday, group runs will start and end at the market. Participation in the runs is free, and routes will cover a variety of distances, from a quarter-mile to 14 miles. The runs will start at 7:30 a.m.
Biweekly bike rides will also be organized, Buxton said.
Health and nutrition seminars will be held at 11 a.m. every Saturday at Casablanca in a partnership with the market.
The market will offer more activities for the family, including children's activities and entertainment, she said.
Starting in June, an Iron Chef cook-off will be held monthly.
People will be able to make purchases through the market's Web site, www.theaugustamarket.com, in the future, she said.
Patrons can help support the market by joining Friends of the Market, she said.
For $25, "friends" will receive a T-shirt. For $50, they will receive a T-shirt and a painting of the market by a local artist.
The market will continue to provide patrons with a variety of vendors, Buxton said.
"I'm really excited about it all," she said. "I think it will bring a new energy to the market, and my goal is for people to come downtown to spend their day."
To help reach that goal, she plans to partner with downtown businesses and entertainment venues to encourage people to participate in other downtown offerings.
"That way, even when the market shuts down at 2 p.m., there will be other activities to enjoy either on the river or on Broad Street," she said.
For more information, visit the market's Web site or its Facebook page.
Augusta market at the river
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, this weekend through Oct. 30. There will be a holiday market Dec. 4.
WHERE: Eighth Street Plaza off of Reynolds Street
INFORMATION: www.the augustamarket.com or the Facebook page, The Augusta Market
WHAT: Educational seminar, "What's the latest in the world of nutrition? What is real and what is nonsense?"
WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday
WHERE: Casablanca, 936 Broad St.
INFORMATION: casablancaart@yahoo.com
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