Market to Re-open Downtown April 20

Apr 9th, 2002

Fresh produce will go on sale at Government Street parking lot each Saturday through the summer

By GEORGE WERNETH
Staff Reporter - Mobile Register

Starting April 20, downtown Mobile will have a fresh produce market for a second spring and summer season.

And the market will have more space than last year with the move to the Government Street Presbyterian Church parking lot, 300 Government St., from the neighboring parking lot at 250 Government St.

About 30 growers from through the region plan to take part, according to Marylon Barkan, market coordinator for Main Street Mobile, a group of city leaders and downtown business owners who work to promote the area.

Parking and admission are free.

The market, a public initiative of Main Street Mobile, will continue on Saturdays through Aug. 10 from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

The "growers-only market" features produce and products from southeast Mississippi and south Alabama, Barkan said.

Shoppers will find "fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, eggs, wines, herbal vinegar, hand-made soaps, honey, herbs, melons, nuts, berries and more," Barkan said.

The market is opening a few weeks earlier this year "so spring produce like lettuce and other leafy greens that can't withstand the summer heat could be included," Barkan said. Last year's market was called the "Government Street Farmer's Market" but this year the word "Farmer's" has been dropped.

The market began last year with about 750 people attending and grew to over 3,000 shoppers and visitors on Saturday mornings, the Main Street Mobile spokeswoman said.

"I think that for me and many people in the Oakleigh neighborhood it became part of our Saturday routine to get up early and go to the market to get the best selection," said Tom Mason, the owner of Tom Mason Communications. He termed the produce, "very fresh."

"I think it's a great thing for downtown and a great thing for Mobile," he said.