'Bigger than ever' / Expanded Open Air Market Saturday in downtown Monroe
All-day music, a beer tent and costumed characters are new offerings at the annual Open Air Market, set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Monroe. Some events, like music, will run until 10 p.m. Admission is free.
“We have added different aspects every year. This year will be bigger than ever. This year is all-day music from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is the first year for the beer tent. It will be located on E. First St.,” Paula B. Stanifer, event coordinator for the Downtown Monroe Business Network, said.
The Open Air Market has been held in downtown Monroe since 2013 and offers sidewalk sales, artists, music, vendors, a car show and children’s events. It was canceled in 2020; last year, just a sidewalk sale was held. The market had record attendance the last time it was held in 2019.
This Saturday's event will feature about 20 vendors and about 20 downtown businesses. Sales will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vendors will display items like upcycled art, handmade jewelry, art, crocheted items, body care items, local history, floral, personal care, honey, wax and warmers and more. They will be set up on E. Front, W. Front and S. Monroe Sts.
A car show, sponsored by the Monroe Michigan Goodtime Cruisers, will again be located on Washington St. and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“With good weather, there could be 50 to 70 cars,” Stanifer said.
A Kids Zone will return to the First Merchants Bank parking lot off Washington St.
“Local groups will provide games and activities. There will be meet-and-greets with costumed characters from Addie’s Closet Parties,” Stanifer said.
Rapunzel and Spiderman will be available from 9 to 11 a.m. Moana and Maui will be on-hand from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Characters will be in the First Merchants parking lot. Characters will give live performances and offer autographed cards to children.
Music will be provided from 7 to 10 p.m. by headlining band Atomic Radio. Music also will be performed by Celestial Blues (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.), Rusty Nail (3-6:30 p.m.) and the Frenchtown Fiddlers (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). Attendee can bring their own chairs.
The Floral City Harmonizers will stroll through downtown, offering barbershop selections.
Whiskey Jacks, Matthewson’s Concessions and JEMS Diner will bring food trucks.
The Book Nook, 42 S. Monroe St., which closed in 2021, will sell books from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Books will be sold at 60 percent off retail prices. Used books will be given free outside the store.
Other participating downtown businesses are: Amaya’s Fresh Mexican Grill; Frenchie’s Fine Jewelry, Coins and Stamps; Cravings Sports Cards; Jones for Men; Salon 23; Brown Bag Boutique; Front Street Mercantile; Williams Insurance Agency; Monroe Currency; Two French Hens; The Craft Jar; Nicole’s Framing; Martin’s Shoe House; Floral City Images; Barn Owl, and Public House.
No pets, coolers or tents will be permitted.
“This is a terrific family friendly event in downtown Monroe that has something for everyone,” Stanifer said. “The success of the 2019 Open Air Market encouraged us to add more things for this year. We hope the community embraces this event and supports our local businesses.”
For more information about the Open Air Market, visit Downtown Monroe Business Network on Facebook.
Streets closed
Some streets and a parking lot will be closed Saturday for the Open Air Market in downtown Monroe.
Closures begin at 8 a.m.
Closed will be E. Front and E. First, from Macomb to Monroe streets, and Washington, from Second to Front streets.
The parking lot at the corner of W. First and Monroe Street also will be closed.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Expanded Open Air Market Saturday in downtown Monroe
