If the size of the crowd and the energy apparent is any indication, the proposed Madison Public Market will be a grand success. At the October 11 “A Taste of the Madison Public Market” preview event, the more than 600 people in attendance indulged in the incredible food and learned about some of the Market’s proposed offerings.
Twenty-some vendors, many who have been accepted into the MarketReady Program, offered samples of their culinary creations or sold hand crafted jewelry, clothing, decorative magnets and even pet treats. MarketReady is focused on providing training, supportive services and micro-grants for entrepreneurs interested in becoming Madison Public Market vendors. This group of new and accelerating business owners included Curtis & Cake, Perfect Imperfections, Yerba Madre, QB’s Magnetic Creations, Off the Block Salsa, Artesan Fruit, dZi Little Tibet Mobile Cuisine, Madame Chu, Ugly Apple, Libros for Kids, Books for Niños, and SuperCharge! Foods.
More established companies with an interest in a presence at the Market were also there, offering samples of their wares and products for sale. Included were Chocolate Shoppe, Slide Food Cart and Beyond Catering, Rushing Waters Fisheries, Grasshopper Goods and American Skillet Company, Mad Urban Bees, Cafe Social, Just Coffee!, and Aaron Laux Design.
Also on display was a demonstration area of the Food Innovation Center. The Center consists of 15,000 sq. feet of the overall Market and will play a significant role in increasing local food production, ultimately increasing local food options at schools, hospitals, and restaurants across our region. Thanks to our partner FEED Kitchens for managing the demonstration area.
Music was provided by DJ 40 Roundz through a sponsorship from Dane Dances. This was only a slight representation of the music, culture and art experiences planned for both the indoor and outdoor spaces at the completed market.
Amanda White, a fundraising consultant to the Madison Public Market project gave an update regarding the Market’s progress to date, sharing site plans and preliminary architectural concepts. She encouraged donations to be made to the Public Market project. We hope you might also consider supporting the market in this way.
The Madison Public Market is on track to be built in 2019 on the First Street and East Washington Avenue site. To learn more about the market and its ongoing progress visit the City of Madison’s Public Market page. To get a sense of the Market’s potential and flavor, visit the Madison Public Market website. We are also on Facebook. If you are interested in showcasing your business at a future Public Market event, mail us at [email protected] and give us your contact info, name of your business, and a brief description. We’ll put you on the list for consideration for a future event.
