Bridge Street Markets resume this month, on a Sunday schedule, and continue weekly through April 24.
Each market will feature a variety of produce, arts and crafts, apparel and accessories and entertainment at 107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach.
Regular market hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the market kickoff, the Bridge Street Fair on Sunday, Nov. 7, will last until 4 p.m. and spill on to the sidewalks on Bridge Street.
The fair offerings will include vendors, kayak demonstrations, music by Blues Pig and the Hammers and Adams Band, a morning yoga class at the BeachHouse Restaurant and a Walgreens clinic where fairgoers can arm themselves against the flu with a shot.
The Islander recently posed some questions to Nancy Ambrose, active in the sponsoring Bridge Street Merchants group and coordinator of the Bridge Street Market.
The Islander: The market takes place on Sunday this season, not Saturday. Do you see that changing the scene much?
Nancy Ambrose: Yes, I think it will make the market even more of a community meeting place. Islanders and guests can stop by after church for coffee and great baked goods and to sit down, relax with others and chat, maybe even play a game of dominoes.…
I have heard great feedback from people on the switch to Sunday. They are excited that they can finally come as they work on Saturday, that they can come more because it isn’t the same day as the other events.
Also, we feel it will make a difference that it is every Sunday, so people won’t have to figure out which week we have a market and which we don’t.
The Islander: Besides the day, as well as the every-week run of the market, will the market be similar to past seasons?
NA: The market will be similar. We have two produce vendors this year and some really great new vendors that are joining our family.
Like past years, there are some vendors that will be there every week or most every week, some that come a couple times a month or once a month and some that will only be here once in awhile.
The Islander: The market has been around for awhile. Are vendors seeking you out now?
NA: Vendors are seeking us out and wanting to be a part. I have had a waiting list for jewelry vendors for a couple of months. We could actually do a jewelry show almost every week.
The Islander: Tell us a bit about how Bridge Street businesses benefit from the market?
NA: The businesses on the street tell me that they have their best days when there is a market. We are hoping that this continues with the move to Sunday. A lot of people who come to the market take a stroll down the street also. It is great in that it gets people to Historic Bridge Street so they can see all the street has to offer.
The Islander: The kick-off is a full day of activities on Bridge Street. Do you see that as becoming an annual event?
NA: I would think that the kick-off will become an annual event. People love outdoor festivals and the kick-off on Bridge Street is going to be fabulous — bands in three areas, kayaks to take out for demos, 85-plus vendors of all types with so many unique and special items.… People will love it.
The Islander: Think of this as a 30-second ad spot. What do you have to tell those thinking about heading out on Sunday?
NA: We will be dancing in the street on Historic Bridge Street on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come for food, fun, kayak and Hula-Hoop demos, unique items from over 85 vendors and music, music, music.
The Islander: Last question, what do you usually have in your shopping bag when you go home from the market?
NA: I always bring lots of “green bags.” I come home with around five bags of fresh produce; usually a treat for dad — an apple pie, pastry or something; a piece of jewelry; an artist’s rendering; some cards; gifts for family and friends; you never know. Like I said, there is something different each day and so many great things. So my bags vary week to week, but I always have that great fresh produce. I am really looking forward to the market starting again as I have missed the produce.