Downtown Farmers' Market Opens Today; Opening Ceremony Postponed

Posted on  05/09/2012 9:55 am

Please note that while the Downtown Farmers’ Market will be open for business today between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (see news release below), the Grand Opening Ceremony has been postponed until next week.

Weather permitting, the City of Wilmington and Downtown Visions will mark the opening of the 2012 Downtown Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, May 9 with a Grand Opening Celebration at noon in Rodney Square* (see note below). The Opening Ceremony will feature comments by Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker; Norman Pernick, the Chairman of the Board of Downtown Visions; as well as other dignitaries.

The Downtown Farmer’s Market, now in its ninth year at Rodney Square, is sponsored by the City of Wilmington, Downtown Visions (the management company for Wilmington’s Downtown Business Improvement District), the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and WJBR (99.5 FM).

“Farmers Markets can play a significant role in reinvigorating urban districts by creating an inviting atmosphere for people of all backgrounds to come together to shop and socialize,” said Martin Hageman, the Executive Director of Downtown Visions. “Public markets also often offer budding entrepreneurs an opportunity for a viable location in which to sell their products or services.”

The Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. More than 75 vendors will participate this season, offering shoppers a variety of products: fresh produce, home baked goods, fresh cut flowers and plants and many handcrafted items including jewelry, pottery, items for home and garden and more. A variety of prepared foods are also available. Free entertainment and special events are scheduled throughout the season.

“The City is really pleased to sponsor the Downtown Farmer’s Market, which is a wonderful City tradition,” said Mayor Baker. “The patrons really enjoy the convenience of the Market as well as the quality of the merchandise. But equally enjoyable is the sense of community the Market provides.”

For more information about the Downtown Farmer’s Market or to become a vendor, contact Thomas “Tucker” Casey of Downtown Visions at 302-425-0196 or tcasey@downtownvisions.org.

*Weather note: The weather forecast is calling for the possibility of rain on Wednesday. While the market will be open rain or shine, in the event of inclement weather, the Grand Opening Ceremony will be delayed one week to Wednesday, May 16 at 12 noon. A decision to postpone the grand opening ceremony will be announced by 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.