ValleyCAST! and Alternatives will open their Heritage Market on Sunday, August 1 from noon to 3 p.m. The market will be held on the Community Plaza at Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville. The market will run every Sunday, except Labor Day weekend, through September 19. In case of inclement weather the market will move indoors to the Singh Performance Center.

Hosted by ValleyCAST!, Blackstone Valley Culture, Arts, Science… Together, this market will be a unique blend of history and open air market offering local fresh produce, food, flowers, arts and crafts, demonstrations, music and more. The Plaza is surrounded by historic buildings including the original 1826 Paul Whitin Mill and the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery, which features on-going art exhibitions.

New this year will feature cut flowers and produce grown at the revived Banning's property. This is a community/ Alternatives partnership with the Bannings working with individuals and staff from Alternatives' Whitinsville Vocational Service and residents of the apartments located in the 1826 Mill.

"We've rototilled land that had been fallow for sometime and have planted over 285 assorted flowering plants and 62 tomato plants," said Carolyn Alberts, Coordinator of Employment Services, Whitinsville. "So far our plants are looking wonderful and we're already getting flowers. We have to thank the Bannings as they have been very forth coming with advice and support for our new gardeners."

Several local growers, artists and artisans have already signed on, but there is opportunity for other local growers, crafters, artists and entertainers to join the Heritage Market.

"We know that the Valley is home to many small farms and artists who are making honey, growing plants and flowers, making soap or other interesting items for sale," said Dennis Rice, executive director of Alternatives. "This would be a great market for those people to share their wares with the community."

For information regarding participation or to reserve a table, call Tom at (508) 266-6502 or visit us on the web at www.alternativesnet.org.