PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Riverside Public Market officially began its summer run at Riverside Drive on Saturday, June 2, with around a dozen local vendors serving everything from fresh fruits, vegetables and produce to baked desserts, maple syrup and cut flowers.
Though the Riverside Public Market has opened every summer for the past 20 years this is the first year that organizers have merged with the Presque Isle Farmer’s Market, formerly held at the Aroostook Centre Mall. Public Market Chairperson Deena Albert Parks said that although mall officials were always hospitable, moving to Riverside will allow the combined market to expand and reach even more people in the coming years.
She also noted that the market plans to hire a part-time information booth attendant this season so that they could begin accepting SNAP/EBT and credit cards as payment.
“We have 20 vendors signed up for this year and some will join us later depending on how their growing season is going,” Albert said. “This year we have vendors from Bridgewater, Perham, Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield and Ashland.”
Parks is also the owner of Chops Ahoy Farm in Woodland and sold kale, spinach, salad greens and pork cuts at the market as well as handmade blankets and rugs.
Despite a sharp decline in temperatures compared to previous days, more than a dozen folks visited with vendors and continued a fun Saturday tradition.
“We try to come every year. It’s a great way to support local farmers and businesses,” said Erin Kasey of Presque Isle, who attended the farmer’s market with her husband Karl Kasey, and purchased kale and spinach from Albert.
Erin Barlow of Presque Isle began her morning trip by purchasing radishes, romaine lettuce and buttercrunch lettuce from the Bridgewater-based Hidden Meadow Farms and said she enjoys the variety of vendors.
“Coming here and buying fresh foods helps me eat healthier and sometimes I’ll find something that I’ve never tried before, which is always nice,” Barlow said.
The market offered customers a friendly atmosphere, with many people stopping to chat with vendors and learn more about their products. Judy Boudman and Kelly Green of Cafe Sorpreso in Presque Isle have begun their second year as market vendors and treated many customers to their baked cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, French and Italian breads and scones.
“I think the connections that people make are what make the market a great event,” Boudman said. “It brings people downtown and we enjoy seeing what other vendors have to offer to the community.”
The Riverside Public Market is still accepting vendor applications and will be held every Saturday throughout the summer on Riverside Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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- Judy Boudman (left) helps Martha LaPointe of Presque Isle choose freshly baked scones during the first day of the Riverside Public Market on Saturday, June 2. Boudman and Kelly Green of Cafe Sorpreso were on hand selling French and Italian breads, muffins, scones, cookies and cinnamon rolls during the market. (Melissa Lizotte)
