Wednesdays are fun in Spring Valley

On the third Wednesday of each month, June through September, the downtown area of Spring Valley is transformed into a family-friendly farmers’ market/community center.  The event is coordinated by the Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Justin Mlinar recently answered a few questions about the “Wednesdays on Broadway” events.

Mlinar explained that, “How it came about was really a conversation between Jenn Slifka, Alex Slifka, and Tiffany Mundfrom.  They wanted to do kind of a farmers’ market type of event, and have vendors come in and sell items.”  Mlinar said the original idea was for a fairly small event, but added, “What ended up happening is they rallied a bunch of business owners and residents that were interested in helping… and it ended up growing to be 50-plus vendors and exhibitors.”

The inaugural Wednesdays on Broadway event was held June 15, and it was a big success, with attendance estimated around 250-300 people.  Mlinar said that for anyone who hasn’t attended, it’s “It’s really just a bunch of stuff rolled into one: farmers’ market, arts and crafts, food and drink.  So it really has a similar feel to “Thursdays Downtown” in Rochester.”  He added, “It’s kind of a block party feel, alongside of a farmers’ market.”

Each Wednesdays on Broadway event also features live music by local performers.  The July 20 event will feature live music by Schmidty.  Mlinar said the events are scheduled as 5-8 p.m., but he pointed out that some vendors stayed past 8 p.m. when customers continued to “hang out.”  He added that the event aims for a family-friendly atmosphere, and runs for the entire two blocks of “downtown” Spring Valley, from Jefferson Street to Main Street. 

For the July 20 event, the following vendors and organizations have signed up to participate: Alley Crafts Attics, AM*zing Tumblers & Creations, Big Bob’s Eatery, Baukol’s Barrels, Canfield Creed Design, Chateau de Chic, Chevrolet Buick of Spring Valley, Chic by Chateau, Cindy LaFreniere, Color Street- Jessica Bredberg, Cookies to Crochet, Discover Spring Valley, Doubletree Leatherworks, Green Dot Produce Plus, Hen House & Co., Henry’s Kin, Hiawatha Honey, Honeybees & Pearls, Hop & Barrel Brewing, Kingsland School Parents, Krazy Lady Krafts, Made by Mara, Marzolf Implement, Matt’s Body Shop & Tire, MinnWest Bank, Mundfrom Builders, Natasha Curtis Sensational Scentsy, Nuka Soap and Body, Rugs & Mugs, Rustic Valley B&B, S&S Bait Shop, Sally’s Homemade Creations, Schmidt Farm, Serio Farms, Spring Valley Public Library, Some Like It Hot, Stellar 181 Taphouse, Susie Sweets Homemade Caramel, Surf and Turf Direct Inc., Sweet Pea Creations, The Boutique Station LLC, Theresa Patten, There Stands the Glass Studio, Thirty One, Thrivent Financial, Tupperware by Rochelle, Urban Artifacts of Preston, The Backyard Flea, Wold Gardens, Work from Town Coworking, Valley Christian Center, Valley Diner, and VFW Auxiliary #4114.  Any other interested vendors or individuals are always welcomed to contact the organizers to see about joining the fun.

More information and pictures are available on the event’s Facebook page, “Spring Valley Wednesdays on Broadway.”  Mlinar summarized, “It’s a great time.  You’ll definitely find things to buy, lots of good food and lots of good beer.  It’s just a good community atmosphere.”