Market Elaine Archives — Neighborhood News

Although the graduation events for both Freedom and Wharton high schools will already have been held by the time this issue reaches your mailbox, we wish all of our graduating seniors success in their future endeavors at the Summer of 2024 officially begins. In the meantime, there are some fun and some informative events on the upcoming docket.

Thursday, May 30, 5:30 p.m. — New Tampa Community Meeting with Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera. At the New Tampa Recreation Center (17302 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa Palms). Join Councilman Viera and learn about the latest developments at City Hall, get some information about the city’s Parks & Recreation Dept. and ask the Councilman your questions.

Friday, May 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.. — The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) presents “Final Friday.” This free networking event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Friday, May 31, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — R&B Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park. See story below.

Tuesday, June 4, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — NTBC Business Breakfast with Florida Senator Danny Burgess. At the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of Pasco Hernando State College (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel). $25 for NTBC members, $30 for non-members. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com

Friday, June 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — NTBC Leading Ladies Network with author & motivational speaker Kiera Yore. At Florida Avenue Brewing Co.’s Private Event Room (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., Wesley Chapel). $15 per person. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Friday, June 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m. — The Market Elaine. At the Village at The Grove, with 150+ vendors, free admission & free parking. For info, visit TheMarketElaine.com.

Monday, June 10, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. — Town Hall Meeting with Dist. 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunter’s Village Rd.). Join Commissioner Hagan for an informative evening of information and an opportunity to ask the Commissioner your questions.

Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — Coffee Social at the Sara Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis & Wellness Center (6585 Simons Rd., Zephyrhills), hosted by SVB’s Che Sara restaurant. Free coffee, networking & light bites.

Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Jazz Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park.

*The Market Elaine photos by Charmaine George*

Straight from the “How to Grow Something Special Out of Nearly Nothing” handbook, our congratulations go out to CEO Blair Valentine of The Market Culture, who organized and put on her first “Market Elaine” First Friday event at The Village at The Grove in October 2021 with little more than 20 crafters and vendors and an idea.

Less than a year and a half later, The Market Elaine, named for Blair’s paternal grandmother Dolaura Elaine, features more than 150 vendors, plus entertainment for kids and adults. The event held the First Friday of each month now attracts thousands of visitors to well beyond The Village area of The Grove. In fact, the vendors now reach south from The Village to The KRATE container park.

“This is so much fun,” a visitor walking her golden doodle named Janice told me. “I’ve found delicious baked goods for me, dog treats and toys for her and some great gifts for my family.”

And, even the existing brick-and-mortar businesses at The Grove say they now get a nice bounce from the Market Elaine.

Steve Falabella, who owns both the Falabella Family Bistro and 900º New York Pizza in The VIllage, says “We’re already packed every weekend at the Bistro,” Falabella says. “But, the Market Elaine has definitely attracted a lot of new faces and kept the pizza place hopping, too.”

The next Market Elaine will be held Friday, April 7, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.. For more info, visit TheMarketCulture.com.