Downtown Main Street wins approval for Sunday market at Cameron Park after security and vendor questions

The La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners on March 19 approved a proposal from Downtown Main Street Inc. to hold a Sunday market at Cameron Park from May through October, contingent on organizers obtaining required city and county permits.

Deputy Director Trucsoni told commissioners that DMI provided a roles-and-responsibilities sheet that the parks department reviewed and can support under a regular reservation. Chad Honeycutt, DMI executive director, said the organization has met with police, parks staff and the mayor and is developing a ‘macro security plan.’ “On-site, we will have safety and security volunteers...if anything ever got out of control, we would use the proper procedures with the police,” Honeycutt said.

Honeycutt described programming that will accompany the market — scheduled group exercise, live music and participation from UWL and other student groups — and said DMI had a short vendor list of about 10 farmers and will include stalls for local businesses.

Commissioners asked whether the Sunday market would replace the Friday market; staff said it would not and noted the Friday market had moved to Pearl Street per the Board of Public Works. Council Member Chris Calo (District 6) and resident Grant Matthew spoke in favor of the market, saying it would improve downtown activation and provide easier access to fresh food for nearby residents.

The board moved and approved the market concept unanimously. DMI must finalize vendor applications and secure any remaining permits before the market begins.