WESTBROOK – When the Maine Market sets up shop this weekend in Westbrook’s Riverbank Park, 18 vendors from all over the state will offer a diverse combination of artisanal goods, with founders hoping that the new market becomes a community event.

The market, a brainchild of the Westbrook/Gorham Community Chamber and local restaurateur James Tranchemontage, will open this Saturday, July 12, and will run from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday until Aug. 30.

Leading up to opening day, Barbara Boardman of White Duck Farm in Waldoboro, who will participate all summer, said she hopes the Maine Market, which offers only Maine-made products, can become a long-term tradition in Westbrook, given its original and diverse structure.

“In my mind, any opportunity that brings together Maine’s bounty and talents is a win-win,” she said, citing the state’s farms, entrepreneurs and artisans. “This diverse open-air market should be a terrific showcase for all that Maine has to offer.”

With a wide offering of professional jewelry, art and other goods, market supporters are hoping to convince area residents to stay in Westbrook, particularly the downtown, on weekends, when other regional markets in Portland and beyond are also open.

Amie Allen, owner and creator at Green Tulip Designs, which will offer jewelry at the market, said she believes adding the element of artists and crafters to a traditional farmers market could spark more interest.

“To me, the Maine Market combines all the greatness of a farmers’ market with the creative talents of many Maine artisans, and the feeling of community,” she said. “I think Westbrook already has a strong sense of community and the Maine Market will not only enhance that sense, but also will extend it to nearby artisan communities. The Maine Market really is the perfect addition to Westbrook’s downtown.”

Last week, Tranchemontagne said that residents will also be able to join a newly formed community-supported-agriculture program with Broadturn Farm in Scarborough. He said $432 per share “will get you a box of delicious, fresh vegetables every week,” which can be picked up at the market.

Coinciding with the Maine Market this summer will be more opportunities for paddling on the Presumpscot River. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards will be available to rent from Portland Paddle, which has recently partnered with the city to provide the service.

For more information about the market, visit www.facebook.com/MaineMarket.

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Maine Market vendors

The 18 confirmed Maine Market vendors for the entire summer are:

• Home Sweet Home Bakeshop, Abby Davis (cupcakes, sauce)

• Green Tulip Designs, Amie Allen (jewelry artist)

• Modern Vegan, Chris McClay (vegan cooking)

• Fiber Art Westbrook, (craft handbags, towels, eggs)

• Garbage to Garden, (earth composting)

• Pastures of Plenty, Graham Mallory (farmer meats)

• Frog & Turtle, (baker breads, jam)

• Sweet Beetle, Lindy Sklover, (jewelry artist)

• Four Horse Art, Nate Courcy, (artistan soap, yarns)

• Canal Cottage, Thaddeus Greene, (artist signs)

• White Duck Farm, Barbara Boardman (farmer veggies)

• Ashley Bodlovick, (craft jellies, cribbage)

•

Generous Nature Artwork, Deborah Butters, (craft books,

garden furniture)

• Lucille Demers, (jewelry artist)

• Mother Art, (artist face painting)

• Bella’s Granola, (food, granola)

• Farnin & Danny, (artist prints, paintings)

• Liv Love Learn, Marissa Thiele, (jewelry artist)

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