European Market to Open May 4

chesterton-european-marketThe Duneland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the opening of the 2013 Season of Chesterton’s European Market on Saturday, May 4. From 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, Duneland community residents and tourists are welcomed to visit Third Street and Broadway in historic downtown Chesterton to experience Northwest Indiana’s premier outdoor artisan and farmers’ market.

Each weekend this season, the Market will boast more than 90 merchants, live musical performances from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, fresh food served on-site throughout the day and plenty of opportunities to enjoy gatherings with friends and family at picnic tables in nearby Thomas Centennial Park. “Last year, we had a dozen Seasonal Merchants – vendors who came to the market every weekend. This year, we’ve accepted 44 Seasonals, and 35 Semi-Seasonals,” says Allyson Baughman, Chamber Marketing Director and Market Manager. “We’ve also welcomed several new artists, chefs and musicians to our ranks. The interest we’ve seen this season has been phenomenal. The Chamber receives several calls each day from locals and tourists wanting to learn more about the market – especially when it’s going to open!

New to the market this year will be downtown Chesterton merchant Chelle’s, as well as TAJ Indian Curry House and Valpo Shrimp Company – a local business that raises salt-water shrimp for local restaurants. Market favorites Bit of Swiss, Rolling Stonebaker, Espress Yourself, Good to Go by Lucrezia, Butler Winery, Ivy’s Catering, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Lehman’s Orchard, Flagel’s Sugarhouse, Pa’s Workshop and Marilyn’s Pies also will be returning. “The Market wouldn’t be the same without everyone’s favorite coffee, pizza, pretzel and croissant merchants,” says Baughman.

While booth space at the Market is nearly booked for the entire season, a few spaces remain in October. “We’re always open to receiving applications, since sometimes our scheduled merchants have conflicts and can’t attend,” Baughman explains. “We especially love seeing applicants with new or unusual products – especially savory food items.” For more information about applying to or visiting Chesterton’s European Market, please call the Chamber office at (219) 926-5513, visit www.dunelandchamber.org, or email info@dunelandchamber.org.