The NORWAY DOWNTOWN Development Authority is hosting a youth event on August 22 as part of its Open Air Market. Young vendors will be selling wares from 5:30 p.m. to about 8 p.m., and the event will end with a screening of the animated film “Sing” in the bandshell. Young participants are still welcome, organizers said. (Photo: Debbie Hood)
NORWAY – The Norway Downtown Development Authority will put young traders in the spotlight at its final open-air market event of the summer season on Thursday, August 22.
The market opens at 5:30 p.m. and lasts until about 8 p.m. The evening ends with the screening of the animated film “Sing” at dusk at the bandshell on Main Street.
Several local 4-H members and Girl Scouts have already confirmed their participation, said DDA event coordinator Gina Zanon.
There are still places available at the DDA for those interested, but young participants must still adhere to the same guidelines.
“All goods must be self-made or produced – nothing needs to have been bought online and resold.” Zanon said there is no age restriction and the site is free.
Interested parties can fill out an application form online at https://www.norwaymi.com.
In addition to the market, the DDA will exhibit a fire engine and a police vehicle, as well as outdoor games and a sidewalk chalk “Graffiti area” for the children.
“We also welcome singers to come to the Open Mic,” Said Zanon.
Their goal is to attract enough participants to continue the youth show next year.
“We hope that the children see that the city is interested in what they are doing,” she said.
The DDA asks that all young vendors and cinema-goers be accompanied by an adult.
The youth event will take place whatever the weather. All updates will be posted on the Norwegian DDA Facebook page next week.
Open Air Market coordinator Debbie Hood thanked the community for their support.
“They checked closely every week and the salespeople were great,” she adds.
They saw an average of about 12 to 14 vendors per week, with no two offering the same product.
“We thank everyone who supports us and helps us to have a successful season,” Said Hood.
The Norwegian DDA is already accepting trader applications for next year’s Open Air Markets. Registrations are on a first come, first served basis.
Zanon said they will be working on improvements and additions throughout the winter. “There will be some changes in the market next year too,” she added.
They are open to all suggestions. “We want to know what providers would like to see. Our goal is to improve every year.” Said Hood.
The DDA encourages the population to enjoy the last weeks of summer in central Norway.
They remind the public that the final Music in the Park broadcast will be today from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the bandshell featuring the River Cities Big Band from the Menominee-Marinette, Wisconsin area.
At 6 p.m. there will be a vintage car exhibition until the end of the music concert. The cars will be parked along Ninth Avenue and Main Street.
The open air market is open from 5.30 p.m. to around 8.15 p.m. when the weather is good.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Crossroads Church on Odill Drive behind the Norwegian Historical Museum in Norway. Updates will be posted on the Norway Music in the Park Facebook page.
For more information about the Open Air Market, contact Hood at 906-396-3913 or visit the website at https://www.norwaymi.com/downtown-norway-open-air-market.
