Farmers and makers markets are popular in towns along the seacoast, and as warmer weather approaches, markets are getting ready to open.

This summer, Biddeford will debut its first farmers and makers market in downtown, piloted by the Downtown Development Committee (DDC).

The committee had been discussing a possible public market for over a year when the Courier reported on the idea in February.

At the time, the market was just a pipe dream, but then Dayton Farmers Market creator Samantha Gaboury decided to take the idea to Mayor Martin Grohman.

“Biddeford is a really great up and coming city in regards to food especially,” Gaboury told the Courier. “It’s kind of the perfect place.”

Now, the city’s first market is officially coming to Biddeford, launching in July with Gaboury and Heart of Biddeford at the helm.

“I love local food, I love farming, and I love the community it creates,” Gaboury said.

The market will be similar to any other farmers and makers market, Gaboury said, featuring locally made products and local produce and meat, including eggs and chicken from her own farm.

At a DDC meeting this month, Biddeford City Councilor Neva Gross (Ward 5) said she was in favor of the idea, adding that previous art markets in town had been successful.

“The art market at the Foundry was great,” Gross said. “There were a ton of people there. It was a really good makers market.”

The market will take place at Mechanics Park, and it will run in conjunction with “Music in the Park,” hosted by Heart of Biddeford.

Delilah Poupore, director of Heart of Biddeford, said the organization is “thrilled” to help bring a public market to the city.

“I’ve lived in other places with successful farmers’ markets, and they create such a great community connection, between farmers and family dinner tables, and among community members at the market,” Poupore said. “Add in live music, and it’s a great summer night in Biddeford.”

The first market is expected to take place on Wednesday, July 2. Vendors and artisans are encouraged to apply to join the market through Google.