BAY MINETTE – A slow but steady crowd made it’s way through Blackburn Park Saturday for the year’s first Market Day.

“It’s a good start,” said Old Town Bay Minette Arts Council member Joanna Bailey. “After the winter break, we are trying to get started back. The next one will be bigger. There is not as much produce in season right now.”

The arts council sponsors Market Day the second Saturday of each month. It is open to local vendors to sell home grown, home made and hand made items, ranging from fresh produce to jams and jellies to arts and crafts.

The council originally scheduled the first Market Day for March, but decided to wait until April. Other events on both sides on the bay pulled away both the crowd and vendors.

“Arts Alive in Mobile and the Strawberry Festival (in Loxley) hurt us a little,” said council member Becca Horne. “Normally we have more vendors. Our vendors sell really well. Next month will be bigger and better.”

As the weather warms up, Market Day has plenty of plusses to draw crowds. In addition to the local aspect, the event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m., before the heat of the day. Blackburn Park also offers a host of towering trees to offer shade.

A new addition to Market Day had the Unknown Bluegrass Band performing live in the gazebo at the park. “We are an arts council and wanted to make music part of the day,” said Horne. “We hope to have more events for children at the next Market Day.

“We are growing every time.”

The arts council is working to improve the appearance, reputation and status of the Bay Minette central business district. They are working to create a one-mile walking trail and are actively encouraging businesses to incorporate arts into displays and store fronts.

“We are trying to have things for the community, to make it a fun destination,” said Horne. “Downtown Bay Minette has a lot to offer. A lot of people don’t realize what all we have.”