TURNERS FALLS — RiverCulture, an organization with a focus on supporting Montague’s creative economy, hopes to uplift local businesses with its inaugural Summer Bazaar and Sidewalk Sale this weekend.
RiverCulture Director Suzanne LoManto said that while the organization has held similar events in the past, this summer’s sale marks the end of a longtime aspiration to hold something of this magnitude. The event is split daily into different forms of entertainment, highlighting talent, places of interest and small businesses.
“What’s unique about this event is what’s unique about Turners Falls,” LoManto said. “All of our businesses are unique. They have things you can’t get or see anywhere else.”
On Friday, an outdoor screening of “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” will take place at Peskeomskut Park at 8 p.m. The Santo Taco food truck will also have its official opening at Unity Park from 4 to 8 p.m., accompanied by DJ Just Joan.
On Saturday, the bazaar will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Peskeomskut Park, featuring more than 30 local vendors. At Nova Motorcycles, a soapbox derby go-cart building workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Avenue A, Second Street and Third Street will also be lined with an array of vendors from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and attendees can catch live music in the evening at different venues.
On Sunday, the “Kids Rock Show and Art Show” will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Nice snack parlor, featuring The Rocking Puppies, Otter Daughter and OMG OMG OMG. The lineup consists of father-child duets Michael Crigler and Pema, Nash Atkins and Rora, and Luke DeRoy and Roland. Youth visual art will also be on display.
“All of these things help keep businesses alive,” LoManto said.
With the Summer Bazaar and Sidewalk Sales, LoManto hopes to start a tradition that benefits the town for years to come. She is optimistic about the event’s success and sees RiverCulture continuing to host similar summer sales as the community prospers.
“If things work out this year with the sidewalk sale, then this will grow,” LoManto said.
More detailed information regarding the dates, times and locations of specific events can be found at facebook.com/RiverCulture and bit.ly/2VQ4iAM.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.