Laconia offers two outdoor marketplaces every week

LACONIA — The Main Street Initiative is happy to announce the return of a favorite downtown tradition as the Laconia Main Street Outdoor Marketplace begins its latest engagement in the parking lot between Main and Pleasant Streets in the center of downtown.

Every Thursday from June through September, between 3 pm and 6 pm, over thirty vendors will be represented, offering the best and freshest products from local independent farms and orchards. The items available include vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, eggs, cheese, herbs, honey, maple products, breads, baked goods and prepared floods. But the list also includes soaps, plants, flowers, crafts, dog cookies, photography, embroidery, jewelry, tie dye and so much more -- even high precision knife sharpening.

The vendors as always are a lively mix of returning favorites and new arrivals, including now the Holy Grail of the Lakes restaurant serving samples of their Irish pub fare.

Many downtown merchants are also extending their hours to match the market, accentuating downtown's convivial feel on a warm summer night. Patrons of the market can enjoy a fresh breeze off of Lake Winnisquam while perusing the market, perambulating around the loop to the shops, and enjoying fine eats at the many, and growing number of eateries -- all on wide, flat, and safe sidewalks.

"We're fortunate to have two weekly markets downtown" commented John, Moriarty, president of the Main Street Initiative. Moriarty continued, "Few communities have the traffic or offering to sustain one quality market, but thanks to our fantastic growers and crafters, Laconia is the only place we know of in the state to operate and sustain two wonderful markets."

Visit the Saturday morning Farmers' Market in City Hall parking lot and the Thursday Outdoor Market often as selection and offerings change week to week.