SILER CITY — Jackie Adams, owner of the Oasis Fresh Market and Deli, is hoping to “get folks out and get downtown Siler City moving a little bit more” with what she’s calling a “Summer Market and Music Kick-Off” on June 20.
Adams wants to help small businesses, vendors and artists who have been challenged because of COVID-19 business closures. To that end, she is offering free vendor spaces for the free event and has several bands willing to provide entertainment in exchange for food.
“The reason I’m doing this is to bring more of the community downtown, to give a chance to all of us who were stuck,” Adams said. “Nobody was out able to make any money, vendors or artists. It’s a win-win for the community and that’s why I’m doing that for free.”
Noting that the event will “have respect for COVID-19,” Adams has reduced the number of vendor spaces by half to ensure each vendor has 10 feet between them. Vendors from across the state are already signing up for the opportunity to share and sell their wares to the people of Siler City.
And Adams is creating a special menu for the occasion. Visitors will be able to purchase a wristband for $35 for those who are over 21 for food and “deep drink discounts,” with those under drinking age charged only $10. Wristbands, Adams notes, are a “real deal.”
Adams wants residents and families to bring chairs or blankets so that they, too, can socially distance while enjoying live music from 3 to 7:30 p.m., followed by an “80s/90s dance party” with emcee Chris Langley. The music acts include Farewell Friend, singer-songwriter Laura Jane Vincent, Emily Stewart Music, Asheboro’s Bad Penny and Beats Working. Adams estimates that she can easily handle 75 people at the event while maintaining safety for the guests.
Adams wants the community to come out and “see things they don’t typically see in Siler City” while having an opportunity to once again enjoy live music and the downtown area.
For more information on the event or to register as a vendor, visit www.oasisopenairmarket.com.
Casey Mann can be reached at CaseyMann@Chathamnr.com.