The BLVD Project and Rossville Downtown Development Authority are teaming up to host a series of open-air markets on June 3, July 1, and August 5 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. this summer. The BLVD is a grassroots organization that seeks to improve food access, safety, transportation, aesthetics, and business along the Rossville Blvd corridor. The markets will be located at 207 Chickamauga Ave. Rossville, GA and will feature vendors selling locally grown produce, flowers, original artwork, and consumable personal goods.
The Executive Director of The BLVD Project, Heather Herweyer, said the group decided to host open-air markets after completing a series of workshops led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The workshops were granted to a select few cities across the country to stimulate economic development, repurpose vacant lots, and increase community access to fresh produce. “A market in this area seemed like it would have the most potential to lead to future development. Residents in our area are always traveling to other parts of Chattanooga/North GA to have fun and procure goods. We wanted to test our hypothesis that if fun events were offered in our area, people would stay here and spend their money on our local businesses here,” said Herweyer.
Executive Director for Rossville Downtown Development Authority, 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 just for a few hours. We want people to begin to see and experience Rossville differently, and I think this outdoor market series will be a vital step forward in inviting people to come in and experience our community,” said Hill.
The markets will feature local businesses like Flora de Mel. Owner Jay Martin says the events will be a welcomed change. “As a new business in Rossville, Flora de Mel is thrilled to see more light coming to the area. Artists’ markets bring energy, creativity, and much-needed love to downtown Rossville, and we very much look forward to participating,” said Martin.
The Blvd is a group of neighbors, businesses, property owners, and passionate citizens. Several sponsors are committed to the inaugural markets, including Bridge Innovate, Simply Bank, and CSL Plasma. If you would like to become a vendor, learn more about the event, or donate, visit www.rossvillega.gov/rossville-
