2019/05/06 - Mayor's Column: Downtown District and Vine Street Market
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
I am excited for warmer weather and all the great events that come with it. There is always something to do in O’Fallon. This year, there will be even more!
I am particularly excited for O’Fallon’s newest destination – O’Fallon Station, located at 212 East First Street, in downtown O’Fallon.
O’Fallon Station, which was completed a few months ago, was designed to draw people to the downtown area. Throughout the year there will be live music, classes, and more! The Station is also available for rent. The largest standing event at O’Fallon Station will be the Vine Street Market.
For years, the residents of O’Fallon have asked for a farmer’s market – a place to buy fresh local grown produce and handcrafted goods. Ask, and you shall receive! Starting on May 11th, O’Fallon Station will host the Vine Street Market.
The Vine Street Market will take place from May 11 through the third Saturday in October. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be a lively atmosphere with music, other entertainment, and shaded outdoor seating.
There is a lot of buzz about the market, in fact, the vendor spots are already sold out! We expect it to be a popular Saturday staple in downtown and a benefit to the community. Not only will the market be a place for O’Fallon businesses and residents to purchase or sell their goods, it will also be a community gathering place. And once the shoppers are done at the market, many will stay in downtown to shop, eat, and enjoy the day!
We will have signage and several volunteers helping direct cars to the public parking areas.
On the first day of the Market, May 11th, the Downtown District will be unveiling their new brand. The Downtown District will have several ambassadors and local business owners at the market and around downtown. They will be on hand to tell visitors everything they want to know about downtown, including attractions, stores, and what events they have planned for the coming year!
Members of the Downtown District have been working with the City over the past six months to create their new branding, a new website listing events in the district, and visual landmarks. This group has a lot of energy and is going to make downtown an awesome place!
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!