The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the 2013 season of Chesterton’s European Market, which will open on Saturday, May 4. A new “Semi-Seasonal Merchant” ticket has been introduced this year, which will offer accepted applicants 12 guaranteed booth spaces for the season.
“It’s been amazing to watch this Market community flourish over the past few years,” says Allyson Baughman, Market Manager. “Last season, we had to begin wait-listing merchants for busy weekends, since we’re committed to not expanding the current footprint of the Market. Seasonal Merchants were the only folks guaranteed their booth spaces for the entire season. This new Semi-Seasonal Merchant ticket makes a lot of sense for those who may wish to be a Seasonal Merchant, but just don’t have the time or inventory available to attend every Saturday. Semi-Seasonal Merchants commit to attend 12 Saturdays per season, and pay for those weekends up-front.”
Applications may be found online at www.chestertonseuropeanmarket.com, or by visiting the Duneland Chamber of Commerce office, located at 220 Broadway in Chesterton. Applicants are asked to submit photographs of their products and displays, as well as their availability for the entire Market season.
“We’re really looking for new and unusual products that aren’t currently offered at the Market,” says Allyson Baughman, Market Manager. “We especially appreciate hand-made items or one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be purchased elsewhere. Those artists, chefs and merchants who are able to offer live demonstrations are also highly desired, as they really add to the vibrancy of our event.”
Those interested in applying for the 2013 Market season should keep in mind that waitlists are not held over from previous years. Each season begins fresh with a new set of accepted merchants and new category-specific waitlists. For more information, please call the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at (219) 926-5513.