The Market makes a comeback

BRADENTON - There will be plenty of fresh food and lots more as the Farmers' Market comes back to downtown at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Saturday, Oct. 3.

On sale will be fresh food, produce, plants and flowers, jewelry, and arts and crafts set to easy-listening, live music.

New vendors include organic produce, olive oil, fresh fish, honey and many new jewelry and craft vendors.

Each Saturday will feature special promotions, including:

• Cooking demonstration with our "Chef at the Market" from 10:30-11 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month. The Oct. 3 market features Gaetano "Guy" Cannata, owner and chef at Ortygia Restaurant, 1418 13th St. W. in Village of the Arts, and a regular at the market.

• Raffle drawing for $5 discounts from our vendors. Get tickets at the Downtown Development Authority's booth. This raffle will take place on the second Saturday of the month.

• Mainly Art will extend the market with furniture, art, jewelry, and crafts on the third Saturday of the month.

• The last Saturday of the month will feature children's activities. Every week the market provides a space for groups like Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, Canine Castaways and other nonprofits to share information with the community.

Locally-grown citrus trees will be for sale at the Oct. 3 market, and Clarence Brown, a solo steel pan player, is scheduled to perform.

Upcoming market musicians include:

• Oct. 10: Howlin' Bob Fieberts, a solo guitarist, with pop, folk and fun favorites.

• Oct. 17: Harley Gay, a solo guitarist, with tropical, pop and light rock hits.

• Oct. 24: Tom Barrett, a solo pianist, with jazz standards and piano favorites.

• Oct. 31: Dan Crawford, a solo guitarist, with tropical and pop hits.

Downtown parking is free on the weekend and dogs on leashes are welcome.

The market is accepting applications for quality vendors. For more information or a vendor application, contact Susan Blake, Downtown Development Authority Market Manager, at (941) 544-8077, or by e-mail.