(File photo) Members of Ruthven United Methodist were among many vendors marketing freshly grown produce at last year's Mainstreet Market which moved for the first time to the Clay County Courthouse square. Mainstreet Market will be held each Thursday evening, beginning July 24,

The Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy (SPACE) is pleased to announce the location and dates of the 2008 Mainstreet Market. As the Courthouse Square has proved to be a popular location, that will continue to be the area for all the Thursday night activities that one would expect to find at an artist's and farmers market with live music. Five consecutive Thursday nights have been scheduled for the event, beginning with July 24 and proceeding to the final event, on August 21.

Each Mainstreet Market provides an open-air gathering for artists and crafters to display their work to the public.

Live music will be provided each of the first four evenings, by a variety of professional musicians. Watch for further announcements with this media outlet and on event posters.

As in the past, a local talent competition will be held with Merchant Dollars to be offered as prizes. No specific focus will be made as to the material a contestant may choose, but the contestants will need to sign up in order to allow for scheduling. Please call Martin Arthur at 262-4307 for more information about the talent competition.

Many local growers of fresh garden produce can be expected each week. There is no fee to sell flowers, vegetables, and numerous types of locally produced products and value added merchandise.

All vendors must check with state agencies to be certain that their products comply with tax, health, and other regulations. SPACE is also providing spaces for vendors in the Flea Market category, and a page of information describing this activity and other issues, as well as a site map, can be downloaded and printed by anyone who needs more specific information, at spencercreates.com, the SPACE web site.

Food vendors will offer a variety of items for market goers to enjoy while they shop and listen to the music. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and make an evening of it.

* Contact Jim Schooley at 262 3600 for sign-up information and to acquire a site map.