Over the past nine years, the Clarksville Downtown Market has opened its tents, tables, and booths to the people of Clarksville each week to enjoy the fruits and veggies of the local area as growers, artisans, and craft food vendors offer their goods to all who gather. Running from May through October, the Market’s mission is to serve as a point of connection between the local citizens and the area businesses whose services and goods make the city such a wonderful and unique place.
More than just a catalyst for commerce, the Market is also a conduit to fostering community growth and relationship, bringing together people of all ages and interests to enjoy some time out on the town as they experience the local goods. It is a reminder, of sorts, to stop and smell the roses—or whatever edibles might need a good sniff or two before buying—and appreciate the very things that set Clarksville apart from all the rest. “Going into my third season as the Market Manager, I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for our local farmers and knowing where my food comes from,” says Channel Lemon, who also serves as Event Planning Specialist for the City of Clarksville. “I hope that visitors will gain that same appreciation after visiting the market.”
Offering everything imaginable from seasonal produce and fresh meats to locally made cheeses, eggs, baked goods, canned items, herbs and flowers, handmade soaps and candles, artisan jewelry, and clothing, the Market is a wonderland of creativity, craft, and talent. Set in the heart of downtown on the parking lot at City Hall, the weekly marketplace transforms a lifeless expanse of asphalt and pavement into a lively gathering of people taking pride in their community and exploring all it has to offer.
Each week as they browse, shop, and sample, market-goers may enjoy live music from some of the area’s talented musicians and bands including Hank Baker, Cameron Sutphin, Red River Breeze, Emma Feldman, and Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club; meet the Market’s mascot, Corny the Cob; and participate in some of the special events taking place during the Market’s run of days. “Not only do I love supporting our local makers and farmers by purchasing goods from them at the market, I also love the atmosphere,” says Marketing Coordinator Candice Tillman. “From the kids’ activities to all of the vendors, the market has become a ‘must’ on my family's weekend to-do list!”
So, too, has it for countless other citizens of the city of Clarksville and its surrounding areas. Week after week, the hard pavements of One Public Square thrive and pulse with life and activity as crowds of people gather to stroll and meander their way through everything on offer, laughing and sharing time together and truly experiencing their community. More than just a weekly market, there’s something to be found downtown that can never be given a price—and that’s civic pride.
The Clarksville Downtown Market is located at One Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040. Open weekly May 26- October 13, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For more information, call (931) 645-7476 or visit www.clarksvilledowntownmarket.com. Become a fan or follower on Facebook by searching Clarksville Downtown Market and stay up-to-date on upcoming market days. Share your market finds using #ClarksvilleMarket
SIDEBAR:
Market Days to Mark
May 26: Opening Day
June 9: Green Day
June 13: Pop-up Market @ McGregor Park
June 23: Veggie Day
June 27: Summer Night Lights
July 7: Sumer Grilling
July 11: Summer Night Lights
July 21: Food Truck Take-Over
July 25: Pop-up Market @ McGregor Park
August 4: Health and Fitness Day
August 8: Pop-up Market @ McGregor Park
August 11: Farm to Market Dinner
August 22: Pop-up Market @ McGregor Park
August 25: Market Scavenger Hunt
September 1: College Football Saturday
September 12: Pop-up Market @ McGregor Park
September 22: Food Truck Take-Over
September 26: Pop-up Market @ McGregor Park
October 6: Dog Day at the Market/Market Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
October 13: Last Day Celebration
Kids’ Day Market Activities
May 26: Fish Bowls
June 2: Water Bottle Ring Toss
June 9: Photo Booth
June 16: Bubble Day
June 30: Plinko
July 7: Color Mixing
July 14: Face Painting
July 21: Glitter Art
July 28: Beaded Bracelets
August 4: Water Mist Fan/Duck Pond
August 11: Finger Painting
August 18: Stop and Throw
August 25: Plant a Seed
September 1: Finger Painting
September 15: Face Painting
September 22: Brushes and Paint
September 29: Beaded Bracelets
October 6: Printable Activity Sheets
October 13: Silhouette Spray Painting
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