GREENMARKET IS GOING GREENER
The city’s GreenMarket season restarts Oct. 6, with a pledge by vendors to do without plastic straws, stirrers and Styrofoam cups and containers.
Cities all over the country have gone anti-straw this year, and West Palm Beach and its Office of Sustainability have adopted any number of eco-friendly strategies citywide, so this move fits with that, while raising awareness at the popular weekly event. The city plans to distribute more than 5,000 metal straws on opening day, to encourage sustainable practices.
“Americans use 500 million plastic straws every day, according to the National Park Service,” says Elaine Christian, sustainability program coordinator. “Though we sometimes feel small when working as individuals, our collective efforts make a huge impact.”
The waterfront outdoor market will host 90 vendors, plying wares at the foot of Clematis Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., almost every Saturday through April 20. The exception will be March 30, when the Palm Beach International Boat Show brings thousands of visitors to the Flagler Drive docks to view billions of dollars worth of yachts.
A number of events related to the GreenMarket provide attractions for visitors.
Local architect and historian Rick Gonzalez leads “By the Banyan” walking tours that explain the 100 years of history behind downtown facades. The market also offers unlimited mimosas for $10, which one imagines could really bring the history tours to life.
The city also is highlighting the market’s dog costume contest Oct. 27, a Veterans Day remembrance on Nov. 10, holiday entertainment Dec. 22, Salsa Saturday on Jan. 19, The Strawberry Jam on Feb. 9 and an Earth Day celebration April 20.
The city’s list of new vendors this year includes Aioli, BMORE crabcakes, Cocowatt, Eddie’s Dark Chocolate, Fresh Home Made, Holly’s Natural Products, Mi
Casa Tu Casa, Mondepice, Naughty Nutty Love, NüGrub Vegan Products, Primordic, Soukie’s Spring Rolls Bowls & More, Strudel Z and The Cheese Shoppe.
Entry to the GreenMarket is free, and dogs are allowed on short leashes.
One thing no longer free this year is parking in the Banyan Boulevard/Olive garage. It costs a flat rate of $5 before 1 p.m. However, parking is free in the Evernia Street/Olive garage a couple of blocks away during market hours.
If you come by boat, docking is free. The city also encourages residents to leave cars home and come by the free trolley, as the Yellow Line has stops near the GreenMarket.