Archive for the ‘downtown’ Category

May 4th, 2009 By Justin Williams

Please Fix the Evansville’s Farmer’s Market

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One of the things I have been enjoying since moving downtown last fall is the weekend activities that always seem to take place. While many restaurants and local businesses still have poor hours on Saturday and nonexistent ones on Sunday, there’s usually at least one weekend activity that brings the people downtown and prevents me from thinking I am living a scene from I Am Legend two days out of the week.

This weekend was the first of what should be many weekly farmers markets in the vacant lot across from the Old Post Office downtown. At its height, the farmers market will feature 8 or so vendors selling fresh produce and plans. During opening weekend this year, there were 4 vendors, a large banner and a small, but steady stream of customers.

I like the idea of a farmers market in downtown Evansville, but I can’t help but feel that it’s lacking compared to other cities I’ve seen. Lafayette, Indiana has one of the finest markets in the country or the world with dozens of local vendors selling their goods to the public. The Lafayette market is an event and well known in the community. Given the location and time of the Evansville one, it seems like an afterthought. I’d much prefer it to be in the middle of downtown along the walkway or some other side street instead of tucked in between a nearly abandoned building and a parking garage.

Adding an element of entertainment to the market wouldn’t hurt either. Activities like face painting, live music or workshops put on by the vendors would certainly attract more people to the event each week. Having a Web site to announce these sorts of things is something that is missing as well.

I am not sure how long the Evansville farmer’s market has been in existence, but I do hope it can grow into something that is more than it is presently. With a bit more input and support from the community we could have a regularly scheduled, locally produced event that could drive more people to the downtown area: something I know the city has been trying to do for years.

photo courtesy of jchatoff

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December 1st, 2008 By Justin Williams

More Downtown Renovations Underway

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Now that I live in the heart of downtown Evansville I’ve been taking notice of what’s been going on as part of the whole revitalization effort. The old McCurdy building has finally sold, which means the old folks are getting the boot in favor of 90 high end condos. It’s a beautiful building outside, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they do to the inside.

At the corner of Third and Main is the old Washington House/Farmer’s Daughter which is going up for auction on December 30. The Courier has a great article that covers the history of the building from its days as a hotel, cigar store, restaurant and radio studio.

In terms of commercial happenings downtown, it looks like we are getting a La Sombre coffee shop. From what I gather online, it’s a locally owned place with their other shop being in downtown Newburgh. Anyone have any other info?

It’s exciting to see the revitalization happening and I hope it’s not just a flash in the pan. Now, can some restaurants be open on Sunday please?

photo courtesy of Andy Guagenti via Courier & Press

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