After a classically long winter, the Chesterton European Market reopened on Saturday, May 4th. Located in the historic downtown area of Chesterton, local residents and tourists alike were able to enjoy a healthy dose of the friendly atmosphere that the Market has to offer every Saturday until the end of the season in October.
From homemade incense to blown glass plates to pies and cupcakes to wooden craft work to traditional barbecue sandwiches, The Market’s over 100 vendors have it all. The old schoolers have proudly made their way back and the fresh faces are just as welcome.
Even on day one, Kelly Loving of Please Enjoy Responsibly, a local cupcake and macaroon shoppe, has enjoyed the, “incredibly wide and diverse talent on display,” at the Market.
Loving is absolutely right, as the number of vendors has upped impressively since last year as more and more potential vendors have expressed interest in claiming a space. In addition, this year’s Market boasted four times as many seasonal vendors as last year, bringing fresh local produce and limited time items to the park.
When speaking with vendors, what you will hear most is praise of the tight-knit neighborhood feel that the Market produces among both the suppliers and consumers.
“What I enjoy most about the Market is probably the sense of community. A lot of the people here are here every week, so it’s fun to come see your friends, and especially to meet new people. I love it here,” Sally Beitz of Heaven’s Rim said.
Also commenting on the sense of community was Franky, son of Alvin and Lisa Smith, owners of Smitty BBQ, who said, “I like most how everybody helps everybody. Everyone is so friendly and if somebody needs help, they’ll get it. It’s like a big family.”
Some new vendors this year include Chesterton’s very own Chelle’s, the Valpo Shrimp Company, Hot Diggity Dawg, and Taj Indian Curry House, while the favorites include Rolling Stonebaker, Marilyn’s Bakery, Lehman’s Orchard, Smitty’s BBQ, and Ben’s Soft Pretzels.
Come join the family on Third and Broadway in downtown Chesterton on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm until October with new vendors and musicians attending throughout the season.
We’d like to issue a special thanks to the Market’s sponsors – Porter Regional Hospital, La Porte Savings Bank, Absolute Apparel, Franciscan St. Anthony Health, the Teacher’s Credit Union, Shore Magazine, NWIndianaLife.com and the Post Tribune—for helping put together such a bonding and wonderful event for Northwest Indiana.
For more Information, visit www.chestertoneuropeanmarket.com or contact the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at 1-219-926-5513.
{valpo}Click here to see more photos from the event!{/valpo}