Marketplace reopens for season

TORRINGTON —  The city’s Main Street Marketplace opened its season on Thursday, July 28.

At its first market for the season, people were out in full force, with vendors lining Main Street as the Screamin’ Eagle Band provided live music.

The smell of fried food was in the air all over the Marketplace thanks to food vendors.

As part of the event, residents could have their caricatures drawn, and local children’s museum KidsPlay hosted a face painter for the children giving the event a carnival feel. 

The theme of the event was “A Salute to Our Armed Forces.” There were recruitment booths from branches of the armed forces and booths set up by groups supporting veterans. 

“We’re glad it’s back on Main Street.” said attendee Beth Michalec. “When they held it on Franklin Street last year it just wasn’t the same and it’s nice to see the work that’s been done on the sidewalks and Main Street itself.”

Michalec’s friend Diane English said she too is happy to see the Marketplace back on Main Street.

“It’s also just good to see friends here on this beautiful night,” English said. 

Vendor Scott Piper of Ridge Runner Soaps said he is also glad it was back on Main Street.

 “This is our second year here, and we’ve had great feedback,” Piper said. “We’re happy to have the opportunity to bring our products to the community because there aren’t many others like ours in the area.”

Pure Romance representative Kat Dziadik said she wanted to sell her products and make new contacts. “Being here is a great way to have people see what I have to offer, but also to talk about what else is available if they’re interested,” Dziadik said. 

Paws 2 Purrfection owner Nicole Thompson was there to network. “We do promotional pet products, which means there’s not a lot people could buy off our table,” she said. “We learned from last year that we needed to have more products that cater to what the public might want. But if you can put a logo on something, we can make it and that’s what we want people to know.”

The Marketplace will be held on the next three Thursdays on Main Street starting at 5 p.m. Each night will have a different theme and a changing list of exhibitors. For more information, visit www.mainstreetmarketplace.org.