July 24, 2019

It’s part farmer’s market, part art market, and it’s growing in downtown Hartford despite starting with no budget.

The Downtown Hartford Market is held on the last Thursday of the month on the 100 block of Main Avenue.

The goal was “to create a space for community to gather while simultaneously supporting the local economy with an intentional move towards the ‘Grow local. Eat local. Shop local.’ movement,” said Callie Tuschen, vice president of Downtown Hartford Inc.

“It has been incredible watching the community come together to create such an inviting space for neighbors and businesses to mingle and support one another on multiple levels.”

Vendors sell everything from soaps to art, uniquely crafted wooden furniture and decor, pet collars, yard games, jewelry, baked goods, fresh honey, seasonal produce and assorted meats.

Each market includes a food truck and fundraising groups from the Hartford area. The Hartford branch of Siouxland Libraries has partnered by providing sidewalk chalk, bubbles and other kid-centered activities.

The market runs through October. Dates for the rest of the year are July 25, Aug. 29, Sept. 26 and Oct. 31. Hours are 5 to 8:30 p.m.

“We are still in our infancy and can’t wait to watch the Downtown Hartford Market continue to grow with more vendors, music, family activities, and hopefully we can add more days next season,” Tuschen said.

After starting the year with no budget for the market, more than 20 businesses have signed on to help sponsor, including donating tables for seating, she said.

“It really is incredible to watch a small town rally behind these kinds of efforts to bring more momentum into the efforts of creating life and vitality in our downtown space.”