By David Israel, Business Manager - Andy Hodes & The Scenic City Team
When I first came to visit Andy in Chattanooga, one of the first places our families visited was the Chattanooga Market at the First Tennessee Pavilion. We were so enamored with the open air market (that is actually under shelter), and the variety of artists, produce vendors and other great activities that were going on. I will be honest, back in 2003 it was pretty small, but the past couple years have been incredible. All this enthusiasm was almost dead and buried when it was announced last week that the Chattanooga Market was not going to re open for 2008 because it was not turning a big enough profit.
The next day, it was sold to Chris Thomas, founder of Palo Duro Records based in Ooltewah, TN. Now Mr. Thomas has set up a non-profit organization to run the market. He told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that he will have limited involvement, it will be a stand-alone operation with a separate board. He wants to keep the 2008 market as close to what was happening in 2007.
“This my friends is exciting news!”
Last year’s market was a huge success in the eyes of the community. It is a place to spend an hour or two looking at local artists (some who actually demonstrate their work at the market), farm direct produce vendors from all over the area come to sell their plants and later their crops, live music, baked goods, Chef demos and many more great special events. My favorite happens to be the lady who makes homemade jams and salsa.
After speaking to several people about the market remaining open, they all concur that it was a great move by Mr. Thomas to save this great Sunday activity from death.
The 2008 Chattanooga Market is scheduled to open on April 27th, I for one will be there at noon to enjoy another great Sunday of shopping, music and food. It is a MUST SEE on Sundays through December. Some of the activities last year were: Big Band Day, Ice Cream Sunday (all ice cream vendors sell samples $5 donation and you get to taste them all), Chattanooga Auto Show, Oktoberfest and Comcast Kids Day.
If you live in the Chattanooga area or are just visiting, this is one stop you must make. You won’t be dissapointed.
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