City’s Harbor Sets the Stage for Welcoming Visitors
The waterfront is the venue of choice for what’s happening in Elizabeth City – for good reason.
It’s an idyllic setting, with boats bobbing in the harbor, pelicans flying overhead and pods of porpoises playing within view of the dock. Along the water’s edge, the charming shops and quaint restaurants in the historic downtown district bustle with activity.
And folks are friendly here. Thousands of boaters who travel the Intracoastal Waterway each year know Elizabeth City as the Harbor of Hospitality, thanks in large part to the Rose Buddies, volunteers who welcome visitors with a rose and answer questions about local attractions and services.
The Downtown Waterfront Market, a farmers market launched by the city in 2008 and held every Saturday throughout the spring, summer and fall at Mariner’s Wharf Park, provides another perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to gather at the water.
“The waterfront is a phenomenal location, right in the middle of the city, beautiful and always breezy – which is nice when it’s hot,” says Denise Richards, coordinator and self-described “market diva.”
As the market’s only paid staff member, Richards is joined bright and early every Saturday by volunteers – including Elizabeth City Mayor Steve Atkinson – who help pitch the white tents under which local vendors ply their wares.
In its first two years, the market grew from 12 to upwards of 30 vendors, with booths featuring seasonal produce, locally raised meat and eggs, gourmet coffee, baked goods, plants and flowers, and handcrafted works by local artisans.
“We literally have butchers, bakers and candlestick makers,” Richards says. “We have a Web site www.downtownwaterfrontmarket.com that is updated weekly to highlight what’s available. The market provides a viable economic outlet for those who might not have another venue. And we offer free space once a month to local nonprofits to help support their efforts.”
Live music, animal adoptions and Market Impossible, a race between local chefs to buy foods and prepare a meal on site, help lend a festive atmosphere to the Downtown Waterfront Market.
“I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback. It’s also amazing how supportive the downtown businesses have been. As a result of the market, they’ve seen a marked increase in their own Saturday business,” Richards adds.
Some downtown restaurants have seen extra business mid-week as well, thanks to the Mariners’ Wharf Film Festival, which takes place Tuesday nights in June and July at Mariner’s Wharf Park and features classic movies projected on a giant outdoor screen. Films shown during the 2009 season included On the Waterfront, The Thin Man, Double Indemnity and Charade.
“The response to the first season was tremendous, the turnout was excellent and the crowds were enthusiastic,” says Simone Cooper, festival organizer and director. “People are happy that something like this is taking place in the community.”
The festival is sponsored by local businesses, organizations and arts patrons and is free to the public. Folks just bring a blanket and stake out a choice vantage point from which to enjoy the show. Boxed suppers can be pre-ordered from City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar and Three Squares Café.
Story by Carol Cowan
