Now in its fourth year, the market will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evenings through Aug. 13 in downtown Norway.

Norway DDA Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said they have again partnered with Music in the Park to create a seamless evening of activities for visitors. The weekly concert series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the bandshell.

Vendors will be in the parking spaces in front of Norway City Hall on Main Street.

“The market has changed a little each year, offering a new experience for visitors to come and enjoy,” Williamsen said.

Vendors are shown at the Norway Downtown Development Authority’s 2024 Open Air Market. The 2026 season begins Thursday. (Contributed photo)

While the market will feature fewer vendors this year — about four participants each week — Williamsen emphasized the goal is interaction.

“We are going to be promoting activities and experiences,” she said.

Instead of focusing solely on retail sales, the DDA is encouraging vendors, makers and community organizations to offer hands-on activities, demonstrations, workshops, samplings and educational opportunities.

The first week’s vendors will offer several tasty food items and treats for the crowd. Mr. Mom’s will bring its homemade grilled brats and sausages; Johnson’s Farms will have maple syrup, honey and jams; Kathy’s Kakes, Kandies & Kookies will offer a variety of baked goods and sweet treats that include freeze-dried ice cream and candy; and Desserts with Carol Sundstrom will serve up ice cream cones and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches.

One of the season’s signature events is set for July 2, when Danielson’s Greenhouse and Floral will host a Fourth of July-themed tie-dye activity for all ages to promote the “Celebrate 250 Downtown Norway” festivities the DDA has created for America’s anniversary.

“We have white shirts available to use to tie-dye and then be able to wear it for the Fourth of July activities on Saturday,” Williamsen said.

Danielson’s will also have plain white T-shirts available for purchase during the event.

Special “Celebrate Norway” T-shirts and tank tops are available for pre-order through City Hall or the Advanta Print online store. Tank tops are available in red, white and blue for $16, while T-shirts are offered in blue, white and light gray for $20.

Orders can be placed in-person at City Hall through 4 p.m. Friday, while online orders will be accepted through Sunday. The link is available on the Downtown Norway Facebook page.

Shirts will be available for pickup beginning July 1 at City Hall or Advanta Print in Iron Mountain.

Entertainment for the July 2 concert will be The Grand Design Band. “They were so much fun last year, we can’t wait for them to come and celebrate the holiday with us — it will be the perfect week,” Williamsen said.

The Dickinson Trail Network will make a visit to the market July 23 to demonstrate how to maintain and fix basic issues on a bike.

Another new feature this summer is the Connection Community raffle, designed to encourage visitors to interact with every market participant.

“This was to add more foot traffic to the market, as well as make connections and just have fun,” Williamsen said.

Each week, a different Spotlight Sponsor will host a Connect Community station. Visitors can collect colored chips from participating vendors and bring them to the sponsor’s table to enter a gift card drawing.

The weekly drawing will take place at 6:50 p.m., just before the evening’s concert begins. Winners must be present to claim their prize.

“Because the sponsors change each week, the gift cards will also change,” Williamsen said, noting the prizes will come from Norway businesses.

“There is no purchase necessary. We just want you to visit the vendors,” she added.

The DDA plans to rotate vendors throughout the summer.

Williamsen noted that they still have openings for businesses, makers and nonprofit organizations interested in participating.

“This year we want to see what activities, food, crafts or other things that our community wants to see in the future,” Williamsen said. “Hopefully some of those vendors will enjoy their time here and move into one of our storefronts.”

The block in front of the bandshell and city offices will be closed starting at 6 p.m. until the concert ends.

“It gives you something to do while the music is going to start,” Williamsen said.

Williamsen encourages community members to come out to Open Air Market and Music in the Park on Thursday. “I’m really excited for the season,” she said.

The DDA has also been working to enhance the appearance of downtown ahead of the summer season. New flower pots and plantings now line Main Street from City Hall to Viking Square and the steps of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Williamsen noted that Debbie Hood came back to assist the DDA with the beautification projects. “She has such an amazing eye — Main Street is looking so nice,” she said.

In addition, Mindy Lorenzoni has joined the DDA team and will maintain the flower planter and beds downtown.

The DDA is also exploring future projects that could bring additional flowers, public art, historical displays and other enhancements to downtown streetscapes.

New downtown banners are being installed as part of those efforts as well.

Other DDA team members are City Manager Dan Stoltman, who serves as the DDA director and Seth Anderson with Mountain Media House, who maintains the website and social media.

Williamsen credits the DDA’s five-member team, along with its volunteers and supporters.

“We really have a great little team,” she said. “Our goal is to continue to keep the downtown more attractive for the community.”

In the event of inclement weather, the market follows the Music in the Park relocation plan. Weather-related updates are typically announced between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Thursdays on the Music in the Park Facebook page. If necessary, activities will move indoors to Crossroads Alliance Church.

For more information or to become a 2026 season vendor, contact the Norway Downtown Development Authority at DDA@norwaymi.gov or go to norwaymi.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.