The market kicks off from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, in the city parking lot on the 600 block of Main Street, next to Mike’s on Main.

DDA Event Coordinator Gina Zanon explained the reason behind the move. “My goal was for the DDA to have a permanent event space for all seasons,” she said. “The city owns that lot, as well as the Veterans Square next to the American Legion — these two areas give us that opportunity.”

Zanon said they will now have more room for the market to expand.

In addition to being limited to the one block in front of City Hall, vendors faced other issues, including heat, hauling merchandise from vehicles, safety, as well as chairs and tables getting caught in the black top.

Handcrafted woodwork pieces will be one of many items for sale at the Open Air Market in Norway.

“For many weeks it was a struggle for some vendors and the new location will help with all those problems,” Zanon said.

Vendors will be allowed to bring vehicles right into the lot to park vertically with their merchandise stand in front.

Zanon said there is also ample parking on Main Street for shoppers, as well as at the end of the block. Handicap parking will be in front of the Viking Square.

The first week’s theme for the market is “Planting.”

The DDA will continue to offer a wide variety of talented producers and artists with quality products weekly.

Several from past years, along with new vendors, have already committed. Some of the items that will be available include homemade bakery, maple syrup, wood products, handcrafted pieces and more.

Danielson’s Greenhouse will return and has several new ideas planned, she noted.

Kelly’s Rock Shop in downtown Norway will also participate. “They have their own house band that will play for the opening from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the lot,” Zanon said.

The DDA is planning to host a kid’s craft project, if weather permits. They will post updates and sign-up information on their Facebook page.

Also, the first 25 customers at the Open Air Market will receive a gift bag.

The market will host several events throughout the summer, including sidewalk sales, an historical walk, an informal car show on Thursday, July 3, and the Christmas in July celebration on July 24.

In the future, Zanon said she hoped to expand events over to the Veterans Square.

“We are looking to host possibly music events and even a food peddler, something that won’t compete with our merchants,” she said.

Anyone with a food truck who is interested in participating in any of the Norway DDA events is encouraged to contact Zanon.

The Open Air Market will continue from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 21.

The DDA will announce each week prior to the open air market participating vendors for the week.

Vendors are still welcome to join any of the weekly dates. Cost for the entire year is $60, or $15 on a weekly basis.

For more information, contact Zanon at ddacoordinator@norwaymi.gov.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.