A new weekly market begins Tuesday morning in Progreso, creating yet another opportunity for local vendors to meet customers.
Its downtown location helps fill a void for many shoppers who live at the beach.
“We decided to start this market for two main reasons,” said Kelly Ouellette, who with Linda Hughes Davis, started the Progreso Farmers and Artisans Market. “The beach communities to the east and west of Progreso (Chuburna and Chicxulub) both have farmers/artisans markets. While Progreso has the regular mercado, we thought this market could provide an alternative for people looking for something different.”
The Chuburna Farmers Market runs Mondays from September through May, and the Muelle Market in Chicxulub runs the first and third Thursday in January, February and March. In Mérida, the Slow Foods Market is on Saturdays. The market will sell apparel, handicrafts and prepared foods, and like the others, the emphasis is on local.
“Most important, we want to help shine a spotlight on local Mexican Artisans,” Ouellette said. “Of the 30 vendors we are opening with, 18 are local. They will be selling everything from wood carvings, paintings, leather goods, branded clothing, handbags, jewelry, organic produce, eggs, coffee and baked goods. We also have many expats participating as vendors selling a variety of items including fresh lamb, pork, sausage, art, baked goods, pickles, jewelry, etc.”
Ouellette and her mother Bonnie run the Pickle Chicks business, and Hughes Davis runs the Bread Basket.
Buddy’s Restaurant, Calle 78 between 23 and 25, has offered their space to the effort, and will offer a 120-peso breakfast buffet on market days. The market hours are 9 a.m.-noon.
“My biggest hope for this market is that it will help our vendors get exposure and grow their businesses while helping to create connections between the local and expat communities,” said Ouellette.
