Street Market does summer right

On the evening of Thursday, July 11, New Rockford’s downtown was abuzz with activity. First the tables arrived, courtesy of the Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford. Then vendors started to occupy Centennial (Gazebo) Park, and storefronts moved out onto the sidewalk.

Without delay, market-goers filled parking spots and flooded the market. From the Transcript office downtown, it was quite a sight.

“There are a lot of people out there,” I remember saying to no one in particular. “I don’t think I recognize anyone.”

It was truly impressive to see. People had come from near and far to be part of this street market. One family told NRABC summer intern Natalie Carlson they traveled 35 miles just for the market.

This was exactly the goal that Carlson and Amanda Hegland, Executive Director of the NRABC, had envisioned when they began coordinating the market. “It was everything we could have ever hoped for and more.” said Hegland, “People were just rolling in. It was constantly busy.”

The Summer Street Market was one of the results that came from the strategic planning sessions the organization held last fall. Hegland noted how the street fair aligns with the strategic focus areas of tourism and recreation as well as community and business development. More than that, Hegland highlights the importance of the meaningful connections that emerge from community gatherings such as these.

Several area families staffed booths at the market. The Thomas family had sno-cones and brought a bouncy house for the youngsters to enjoy. Shirley Myhre and her young ones sold lemonade and cookies. The Skogen family offered handmade bracelets and lemonade, giving the proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Face-painting and live music by Steve Bowman encouraged the festival-like atmosphere. Some booths sold out of their goods early in the evening, and the vendors joined the crowds. After all it isn’t every day that you can buy fresh tamales prepared by the Sifuentes family or get a plate of Penny Schuster’s homemade baked goods. I heard Duchessa Gelato left with only a pint of gelato in their cooler, which made me really wish I would have made it over to their cart and bought some for myself.

The evening also welcomed partnerships around the neighborhood. Miller’s Fresh Foods hosted an outdoor produce sale and cook-out. Blue Bird Boutique brought some of its unique clothing and accessories to the party. Central Pharmacy had tables filled with heavily discounted home decor and clothing.

Down Central Avenue, Sarah Smith Warren hosted a pop-up event with Beyond the Brand Boutique. Glass Act, a stained glass gift shop on First Avenue South owned by Judy Compton, also opened up shop.

The next Market is in the works and tentatively set for September. Local produce vendors are encouraged to join the fun. Contact Amanda Hegland at (701) 947-2205 or [email protected].