On Saturday mornings in Old Town Meridian, the day begins early.
Vendors arrive before most of the city has finished its first cup of coffee. Tents rise along the street as tables fill with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade goods from across the Treasure Valley. Musicians tune guitars. Families wander in with coffee in hand and dogs on leashes. By midmorning, the street has found its rhythm.
For nearly a decade, the Meridian Main Street Market has helped create that rhythm. What began as a gathering place for vendors has become an anchor of downtown life.
“This is my ninth year running the market,” says organizer CheRee Eveland, owner of Eventageous Idaho. “After nine years, it’s still one of my favorite moments of the year to see the street fill up again and watch the community come back together for the season.”
That weekly draw extends beyond the market itself.
“Many guests come down for the market and then visit local shops and restaurants before or after,” Eveland says. “It helps create a vibrant and active downtown on Saturdays.”
The mission has remained consistent: support local entrepreneurs and connect them with the community.
“Our mission has remained the same from the beginning, to support local small businesses, youth entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and local musicians,” she says.
For some, the market becomes a starting point.
“It’s especially rewarding to watch some of those small businesses grow from their early days at the market to eventually having products in local stores,” Eveland says.
It also creates space for younger entrepreneurs.
“We love being able to support youth entrepreneurs and give them a place to learn and grow,” she adds.
Behind the scenes, Eveland sees the market as a shared effort.
“Opening day is always a reminder that the market’s success comes from many people working together,” she says.
This season includes returning favorites like Mutts of the Market, along with an expanded Passport Program supported by presenting sponsor Pella Windows.
For Eveland, the goal remains simple.
“More than anything, we hope visitors feel the sense of community that the market represents,” she says.
On Saturdays in Old Town Meridian, that sense of community begins at the market. MeridianMainstreetMarket.com