The Maitland Farmers’ Market will move to a new location on Independence Lane next to City Hall beginning from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7.
The move will take advantage of Independence Lane and the new Independence Square, which are ideally suited for large outdoor events, while also allowing for a much-needed rehabilitation of the market’s existing site at Lake Lily Park.
A new market format will feature a unique selection of vendors with food, crafts, local products, plants, flowers and produce spread among dozens of tents along Independence Lane and inside the scenic Independence Square. Enjoy live music, kids activities and educational presentations along with downtown restaurants such as Sanford Brewing Company – Maitland, Outpost Kitchen Bar and Provisions, Houndstooth Kitchen and Eatery and Boku Sushi. More surprises will be announced soon.
Independence Square includes nearly two acres with large grassy areas, shady trees, restrooms, a fountain, walkways and an outdoor seating area with tables. Bring your own blankets and chairs to relax on the grass while listening to some of Central Florida’s best acoustic musicians.
Free parking is conveniently located in the lower levels of the parking garage at the Maitland City Centre across from City Hall. Enter and exit the garage from Orlando Avenue.
Other parking is south of Independence Lane across Packwood Avenue and north of Independence Lane across Horatio Avenue. Look for directional signs around the event site.
Prior to the big move, the Farmer’s Market will be held at Lake Lily Park – at the corner of Orlando Avenue and Maitland Avenue – from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 24, and a special market event with Halloween costumes and decorations on Sunday, Oct. 31.
Lake Lily Park is targeted for several upcoming improvements including reconstruction of a brick-paver north outlook and one of the vehicle parking areas. New grass is needed in areas damaged by years of heavy use while some parts of the sinking lake shoreline may need to be reconstructed. An eroding slope near the park’s north entrance also will be addressed.
The future work will not interfere with two upcoming events at Lake Lily – the 45th annual Maitland Rotary Art Festival Nov. 12-14 and the Maitland Season of Light on Dec. 4.
The city recently renovated the restrooms at Lake Lily. New steps were built to provide additional pedestrian access from the parking lot and adjacent Venue on the Lake (Maitland Civic Center). A new fountain was installed in the center of the lake with a new, more energy-efficient pump and colorful LED accent lights.
For more information about the Maitland Farmers’ Market, call (407) 539-6268 or visit www.itsmymaitland.com.