Add another farmer's market to the list of many in the Twin Cities - only this one has a greater mission.
The Uptown area of Minneapolis has seen better days. After the pandemic and the destruction following the murder of George Floyd, increased crime took it's toll on the corner of Hennepin and Lake. A lot of road construction in the area also drove visitors away.
But organizers of the new Uptown Farmer's Market hope it will help to turn the area around.
"Yes, it's a farmer's market, but we really see it as one of the pieces of the puzzle to revitalize Uptown and draw people back in terms of foot traffic for businesses," says spokesperson Dan Sutton.
The market will be located on West Lake Street and Girard Avenue on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
"A farmer's market is a perfect way to plant the seed for people to have a reason, on a regular weekly routine basis, so you can start drawing that foot traffic that we then hope gives businesses confidence," Sutton adds.
Business owners in the area have created an "Uptown Business Improvement District" which has allowed them to raise funds for improvements to try to revive the troubled neighborhood.
Sutton says they hope the new market will help too.
"Only time will tell and the proof is in the pudding on who shows up, especially on a rainy evening like (Thursday)," Sutton explains. "But certainly all indications are positive."
The Uptown Farmer's Market will remain open through the last Thursday in September and opened officially Thursday, June 12th.
Parking, which can be a challenge in Uptown, is recommended at the Seven Points Parking Garage which has a discounted flat fee of $7 on market days from 3:30-11:00 p.m.