Billie Rodriguez, left, and her daughter, Brennan, of Valrico, weave raw wool into yarn they sell at the market.
GULFPORT – The weekly fresh market is home to about 60 vendors that sell everything from fresh veggies to funky local art.
Sponsored by the Gulfport Merchants Association, the market each Tuesday lines both sides of Beach Boulevard from the waterfront to about three blocks north.
“We’ve been operating for seven years and it’s more popular than ever,” said Daniel Hodge, market coordinator. “We attract vendors and visitors from all over the state.”
A boon to local restaurants, art galleries, shops and other businesses, the market is so trendy among vendors that a waiting list exists.
However, once a merchant is allocated a cherished empty spot it’s a given that he or she will be around for a long time.
The popularity of the weekly event stems from the fact that people are looking for fresh vegetables, fruit, homemade jams, pies, pickled goods and spices.
The market is pet friendly, so Fido is assured of fresh drinking water and even doggie snacks as their humans seek out bargains.
Many markets in other cities close during the hot summer months. In Gulfport, however, when the tourists and snowbirds return home, the locals pick up the slack.
“We are open all year long,” Hodge said.
Gulfport is a funky little town with a unique personality all its own. One vendor was selling T-shirts reading, “Keep Gulfport Weird.”
Live folk, jazz and other music is the norm at the market and in many restaurants. Some residents take on the personna of 1960s flower children. Beards, colorful clothing and peace signs are in abundance.
“People just love to visit Gulfport,” said Billie Rodriguez of Valrico, who with her daughter, Brennan, sets up a yarn stand each week. “It’s just so peaceful, and the people are wonderful.”
John Bradley and Ryan Stone of Treasure Island’s Charlie’s Seafood were hawking sausage-size shrimp, fish, crabs and other critters that were swimming in the gulf just a few hours before.
“We have it all,” Bradley said. “Come to Charlie’s and get the freshest seafood in the world.”
The weekly market is open each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It closes at 2 p.m. during the summer months. Stalls, when available, cost $25 per Tuesday or $150 for 10 consecutive weeks.
Further information is available by calling Daniel Hodge at 366-4086.
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