Port Huron’s new Southside Summer Market sparks community revival

Summer is here, and with it comes all of the things that we look forward to during the cold winter months. Things like days at the beach, family barbecues, and outdoor shopping at farmers’ markets. 

This summer, the City of Port Huron is offering residents and vendors the opportunity to shop and/or sell their products at the Southside Summer Pop-Up Market. The pop-up market is an idea put together by the Southside Neighborhood Improvement Authority (NIA). The NIA is an initiative that promotes residential and economic revitalization and growth in the southside community of Port Huron. This community’s residents often feel forgotten about when it comes to growth and revitalization projects.   

The purpose of the pop-up market is to provide residents, not just those on the south side of town, a venue where they can sell their items, enjoy food, build community, and possibly create a lasting venue that will serve its residents for years to come. Mayor of Port Huron, Anita Ashford, has also been heavily involved with the NIA and seeing to it that this venue sets out to reach its goals. 

“We thought it was a prime opportunity to promote economic growth in the area and to help build up our neighborhoods within the city. We have also established another tax increment and financial district for the City of Port Huron, which allows the monies earned to be utilized for the economic development of the south side of the city,” Ashford says. 

The Southside Summer Pop-Up had its opening day on Tuesday, June 17, and will be occurring every Tuesday thereafter until August 26 at Knox Field in Port Huron. Residents can enjoy all that the pop-up has to offer from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The first day of the event featured live music, face painting, a popular food truck–Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Port Huron Police Department’s Community Engagement trailer, and a variety of vendors selling a myriad of items. Everything from sweet treats and baked goods to jewelry, and much more. 

April Malick, owner of Malick Farms located in Jeddo, says, “I had lots of customers who were excited to see our farm fresh eggs and our unique pickle bread.” 

Another vendor, JD Wheeler, owner of Goose’s Goodies, expressed his satisfaction with having an event close to home. 

“I’m in the process of growing my business, so I took the opportunity to be a part of this event. Most of the vendor events I attend have been out of town, so it’s really nice to see people you know from the community who stop by to chat while they purchase our delicious cookies or other items here,” Wheeler says.

Folks interested in becoming a vendor for the Southside Summer Pop-Up Market can fill out an application via their Facebook or email them directly at phsouthsidemarket@gmail.com for more details.