PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Organizers are thrilled with the way the Public Market was received at Riverside Park during its grand opening weekend, May 15-16. More than a dozen vendors, featuring everything from produce to soap and stained-glass crafts, participated in the festivities.
“We had 14 vendors registered for the event. They came from all over Aroostook, from Houlton, Woodland, Bridgewater, Presque Isle and elsewhere,” said Deputy City Manager Martin Puckett, who’s been working with others for the past year to bring the market to reality.
Puckett said he was pleased with the way the project kicked off this year.
“We had a great response from the community. This is something that’s been requested for many years,” he said.
The tents for the event are provided by the Presque Isle Police Department, which obtained the structures through the military surplus program.
“We had everyone basically under the one tent for opening weekend. We have another tent like the wide open one (we used) that we will have available if we have more vendors,” said the deputy city manager.
Puckett said public response has been great.
“People were really excited about the products,” said Puckett.
That was the case for Pat Rathbun, of Presque Isle, who purchased fresh greens from Hidden Meadow Farm of Bridgewater.
“They have the shiniest, cleanest produce around. I highly recommend them,” said Rathbun.
“We use the hydroponic method to raise produce. We started a few years ago,” said Ellie Penner, of Hidden Meadow.
“Our goal is to raise quality products at Hidden Meadow Farm,” added Alyssa Ehst.
In addition to fresh veggies, Hidden Meadow also brought a variety of hanging basket and flats of pansies to sell at the market.
Esther Arce, of Woodland-based Blue & White Farm, was one of several artisans on hand. She also serves as manager of the Public Market.
“I work with stained glass, doing mirrors, boxes and other items, including tables. I’m self-taught,” said Arce. “I took a class to learn to cut and stain glass. From there I grew into designing my own patterns.”
Arce said her products are both “useful/functional.”
Pam Sweetser, of Presque Isle, was at the market representing her business, P.W. Sweetser Farm & Snow Country Creations.
“Our motto is ‘Local, Sustainable, Sensible.’ We make and grow much of what we use, as well as sell products, including jams, soap and wool,” said Sweetser, noting the wool comes from rare-breed sheep she raises on her farm.
“My soaps are made with shea butter and lard and all are named for place I’ve been to or would like to go. I’ve sold a lot by word-of-mouth and hope to sell more here at the market,” said Sweetser.
Billie Brodsky, of Presque Isle, said the Public Market will be a frequent stop for her in coming months.
“The flowers are beautiful and the food looks amazing. There’s fresh produce and baked goods available here. And these pansies are gorgeous,” said Brodksy, as she selected a flat of pansies to purchase at the Hidden Meadow booth.
Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, helped organize the ribbon-cutting ceremony and was pleased with the turnout.
“Thursday’s event went very well. There were a lot of cars there around 3 p.m. When I went back at 5 p.m., the vendors said they’d been busy and seemed to be happy with the first day of sales,” said Fowler.
Puckett said those displaying their wares were pleased with the outcome.
“Vendors were satisfied with the venue. It addressed the needs — parking, shelter and electricity for those who needed it,” said Puckett. “And the people who stopped by were pleased with the products available.”
Puckett said the market will remain at this same location.
“It will stay there this season and will move to the larger parking lot — where we did the improvements two years ago and added decorative lighting — in the future,” said Puckett.
Friday also marked the kickoff of Movie Night at Riverside, with the PIPD providing a big screen for spectators to enjoy an open-air movie with friends and family. Chief Matt Irwin said it in no way competes with the Braden Theater, since the movies shown will be older films but still an enjoyable event for participants.
Vendors registered to take part in the Public Market in coming weeks include: Ayer’s Farm Market, of Caribou; Blue & White Farm & Esther Arce Original Art & Handcrafts, of Woodland; Constantino Freitas (featuring eggs and vegetables), of Fairfield; Designs by Samantha, of Presque Isle; Feet, Face and Fanny Soap, of Oakfield; Hidden Meadow Farm, of Bridgewater; Jonas and Katie Gingerich (featuring baked goods and organic produce), of Easton; Mapleton Flower Farm, Mapleton; Misfit Farms (featuring organic products), Westmanland; Promise Pretzels of Maine, of Houlton; Salmon Brook Valley (featuring maple products), of Caribou; Scrolling & Beyond, of Mapleton; and P.W. Sweetser Farm & Snow Country Creations, of Presque Isle. Market dates and hours are Thursdays and Fridays noon-6 p.m. through the season. FMI, call Puckett at 760-2780.
