Summer Street Market downtown Thursday

This Thursday evening, downtown New Rockford plays host to the first Summer Street Market of the season.

Grab a bite to eat from the Mexican Munchies food truck or the Cities Service Luncheonette. Coffee, tea shakes and other beverages will be available from the Happy Camper. Then wander around Centennial Park and shop from among 17 vendors:

• Hawkes Homestead

• In the Dog House Custom Designs

• Daisy Bake Shop

• Hardy Salsa

• CLB Soaps

• Cacti and Cows

• Birtsell Farms

• Tupperware

• Headbands

• Inspired Signals

• Dakota Pens

• Wildflour Cupcakery

• Kathy Anderson Creations

• Laser Engraving

• Sipology Tea

• Flower Scent-R

• Pink Pistol Flower Boutique

Take the time to shop at local businesses, as some will be offering specials during the day and into the evening. At Central Pharmacy, take 20 percent off all gift purchases, and an extra 10 percent off clearance items. At Transcript Publishing, take 30 percent off all custom New Rockford, Rockets and Black Sox apparel and accessories in stock! Also watch for the clearance rack, where everything is $10 or less. The Flair Boutique will make its debut on the Central Avenue shopping scene. Other businesses are likely to have flash sales or in-store specials, so take the time to stop in and visit your favorite local merchants that day.

Miller's Fresh Foods will be serving root beer floats for the whole family. Adults can relax on the outdoor patio at Hanson's Bar, where you can buy one drink and get one free!

New to the Summer Street Market this year is a Rhubarb Baking/Making Contest! The contest is open to anyone who wants to enter. They just need to bake or make any food or drink using rhubarb (bars, cakes, cookies, slushies, etc.) and pay the $5 entry fee. Submit entries to the gazebo between 5:30-6:00 p.m. Judging will take place at approximately 6:15, and the winner will be announced following that! Winner will receive the pot of entry fee money, and bragging rights! Contestants will need to submit five individual servings for the judges.

There will also be lots of activities for the kids. Enjoy a petting zoo, free face painting from 4:30-6:30 p.m., sidewalk chalk art, bubble station, bean bags and more!

The Summer Street Market committee is working to schedule entertainment for the June event, so stay tuned for music in the park as well.

"We hope people will plan to spend the evening in the park with us and shop our downtown businesses," said Amanda Hegland, NRABC Executive Director. "Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and set up in the park- let the kids play and shop the vendors and downtown shops!"