Mainstreet Market returns for five-week run

Mainstreet Market will return to the courthouse square for five Thursdays this summer, from July 15 to Aug. 12. (File photo) [Click to enlarge]

Spencer's Mainstreet Market is returning July 15 to the Clay County courthouse square on West Fourth Street for the first of five Thursday evenings featuring live entertainment, fresh produce, art and food. Now in its sixth year, Mainstreet Market takes place Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

Truckstop Souvenir will perform on the opening night.

The organizers are proud to announce the addition of a feature this year that will award $1,000 in prize money for exceptional art and crafts, shown during the five nights of Mainstreet Market.

"We in the Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy (SPACE) believe that the creative participants deserve to be rewarded for the work of highest quality," said Jim Schooley. "The original concept for Mainstreet Market was to benefit the local artists, and we in SPACE are sensing that it is those individuals who are least likely to enjoy financial rewards at these events. We know times are tough, but one simply cannot find a better turnover of local dollars than when one shops locally, especially when purchasing items created right here in town."

The prize money announcements will occur at the close of the entertainment portion of each of the five nights. The public will be invited to vote based on the creative works displayed each specific night, for their first, second and third place choices. Once the tabulations are complete, the top vote recipient will receive a $100 prize and the second and third place winners will be announced as well. Each night of Mainstreet Market, a secret group of critics will judge the artwork, and after the entire series of five MSM events, will announce the top prizewinner of $500.

Mainstreet Market allows the public to enjoy local cuisine and listen to original music of very talented musicians in live concert before the courthouse steps. Shaded seating at tables provided by Spencer Parks or brought by the visitors provides a great opportunity for some outdoor relaxation and casual congregating for all ages.

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The music to be provided will include:

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Browse the wide selection of flowers, fresh produce, baked goods and value-added food items of local merchants. Some nonprofits that will provide food for this year"s events include:

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Travis Rutter will also be present every Thursday night with his "Prairie Dawgs" wagon.

Mainstreet Market is a joint venture of the Spencer Main Street Company and the Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy (SPACE).