The WKU Restaurant Group and Office of Sustainability will sponsor the first Market on the Avenue of the year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in Centennial Plaza.
Market on the Avenue is a monthly, campus-based community farmers’ market held along Avenue of Champions, according to WKU’s Office of Sustainability.
Leslie North, WKU Director of Sustainability and department chair of WKU Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences, has been involved with the Market on the Avenue events since its inception in Fall 2019.
North said in an email that the sponsors aim to include a free hands-on activity at every market like pumpkin painting, yard games, pot painting, succulent planting, upcycling crafts with recycled items and other interactive opportunities. Local off-campus vendors and food trucks also sell at the market. Occasionally, “unique campus visitors” like alpacas from a local farm or shelter pets from the Humane Society are also welcomed to the events, North said.
“The events are intended to bring a diverse mix of local vendors directly to campus, making their products more accessible while also supporting campus sustainability, outreach and creating another unique campus experience for our students, faculty and staff,” North said.
North said that from a sustainability perspective, Market on the Avenue events are “a wonderful and convenient” way for students to support local small businesses. From a health and well-being perspective, North said Market on the Avenue provides students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to step away from the stress of classes and work, enjoy the outdoors and connect with other patrons in a relaxed setting.
WKU Restaurant Group Sustainability Coordinator Alex Meredith has been helping North with Market on the Avenue for nearly three years. Meredith said in an email that most vendors keep prices affordable. Students can also use Flex, Meal Plan Dollars, Dining Dollars and Big Red Dollars at the food trucks.
Meredith said students and campus organizations are encouraged to participate as well. Some of the featured vendors are owned and operated by campus community members and students.
“We love seeing students get involved — from selling products and displaying artwork to promoting campus clubs and activities,” Meredith said.
Anyone interested in participating in Market on the Avenue can send an email to [email protected].
