Gulfport Fresh Market Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Contact: Chris Spencer 727-902-2326 or chris@chrisnsteve.com
GULFPORT, FL: February marks the ten-year anniversary of the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market. The Market was established in February 2006 by the Gulfport Merchants Association and has grown from a small handful of vendors on one block of scenic Beach Blvd. to its present roster of over 70 vendors assembled across several blocks. Customer traffic has also steadily increased over the years, and the Market now routinely has several hundred visitors on a typical day, numbering up to 3,000 visitors on high season days.
The focus of the Market is on unique and artisan goods, including as many locally-produced products as possible. A wide variety of foods is available, including locally-grown and organic produce, breads, cheese, nuts, desserts, candy, jams, sauces, local honey, olives, prepared foods and much more. Hand-made bath and body products, flowers and pet products are another mainstay. Local authors are often on hand. A master knife and tool sharpener on site will work on your knives as you shop. Artists and craftspersons, many working as you watch, are always on hand to display and sell their hand-made work, including painting, jewelry, pottery, textiles, wood, photography and more. Local musicians in two locations keep market-goers entertained with styles from rock and pop to jazz, island, and blues.
A current roster of weekly and occasional vendors is posted on the Fresh Market’s website at www.gulfportma.com or visit the Market’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gulfportfreshmarket.
The Fresh Market also gives back to the community. A food and personal needs collection basket for the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry is located at the Merchants Association tent each week. Space is offered free of charge each week to non-profit groups to raise funds and awareness for their causes. On the second Tuesday of each month, the Fresh Market sponsors a popular clothing swap to benefit CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse). Participants bring in donated garments, and can select some to exchange. Extra clothing and donations are contributed to CASA.
The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is open year-round. Hours are 9am to 3pm every Tuesday (9am to 2pm during summer). The Market is located in Gulfport’s historic Waterfront District on Beach Boulevard below 28th Avenue South which also offers a variety of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, its own beach and a large cluster of restaurants, all within easy walking distance. The Fresh Market offers visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip in a small town full of “Old Florida” charms. Parking in the village is free.