For at least one Saturday a month, downtown Luverne will be bristling with activity. Stores will keep longer hours; vendors will carve out spaces along the sidewalks; and the Pepsi Pavilion will offer fresh produce and live music.

Starting Saturday, Aug. 1, Luverne will hold a Main Street Market downtown on the first Saturday of each month. The Downtown Merchants Association has teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce to start what each hope to become a local tradition.

“I think it’s going to catch on just got to get that first thing going. We’re working feverishly trying to get bands lined up,” said Gary Mitchell, owner of Gary Mitchell Art and member of DMA. “We’ve had several people ask about the booths and I think several people are going to do this.”

Local merchants will be encouraged to put merchandise outside and to stay open during afternoon hours. Others will be encouraged to bring their wares to town for sale…arts, crafts, baked goods, canned goods, produce, yard sale items.

The market will begin at 10 a.m. but participants are welcome to get there early and claim a spot.

“People are welcome to set up outside of businesses on the sidewalks if they ask permission from the store owners,” said Mitchell.

He said vendors were free to use his Forest Avenue lot.

A farmer’s market will be set up in the Pepsi Pavilion.

“There’s no fee for anything,” Mitchell said.

If you have any questions please contact the Downtown Merchants Association 334-301-3337 or the Chamber of Commerce 334-335-4468.