The BLVD Project and Rossville Downtown Development Authority will host three open-air markets this summer.
The BLVD is a grassroots group of businesses and residents that are seeking to improve food access, safety, transportation, aesthetics and business along the Rossville Boulevard corridor.
The markets will take place at the vacant lot located at 207 Chickamauga Ave. June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5, 4-8 p.m., and will feature vendors selling locally grown produce, original artwork and consumable goods.
BLVD Project Executive Director Heather Herweyer says the group decided to host open-air markets after completing a series of workshops led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA granted workshops to select cities across the country to stimulate economic development, repurpose vacant lots and increase community access to fresh produce.
“We believed a market in this area would have the most potential to lead to future development,’’ Herweyer says. “Residents in our area travel to other parts of Chattanooga and Northern Georgia to have fun and procure goods. We wanted to see if a fun event would convince them to stay here and spend their money on our local businesses.”
Rossville Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Tobey Hill says the markets will give residents a chance to “feel Rossville.”
“This event gives us a much-needed opportunity to be a destination – even if it is for only a few hours. We want people to see and experience Rossville differently.”
The markets will feature local businesses like Flora de Mel. Owner Jay Martin says the events will be a welcomed change.
“The markets will bring energy, creativity and much-needed love to downtown Rossville.”
Sponsors include Bridge Innovate, Simply Bank and CSL Plasma.
Become a vendor at www.rossvillega.gov/rossville-blvd-market.
Source: The BLVD