Mayor Weinberger Announces Church Street Marketplace 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Opened September 1981, the Marketplace Now Welcomes 1.5 Million Visitors a Year
Burlington, VT - Today, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, along with local leaders, merchants, and commissioners of the Church Street Marketplace, gathered in the Church Street Marketplace outside City Hall to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Marketplace and to announce upcoming festivities happening on Church Street. Festivities begin Friday, September 17, and include live performances, a movie night, activities for kids and families, and giveaways.
In attendance for today’s celebration was U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy who, along with his then-Chief of Staff Paul Bruhn, secured a federal grant to support the construction of the Church Street Marketplace in 1981. Burlington voters, with the support of then-Mayor Gordon Paquette, passed a bond to fund the City’s share of construction costs, and on September 15, 1981, the Church Street Marketplace opened. The Marketplace now welcomes an estimated 1.5 million visitors a year.
“The Church Street Marketplace is the indisputable heart of our Downtown, and a place that provides lasting memories for neighbors and visitors alike,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “I want to thank the many visionary leaders who worked so hard to create the Marketplace 40 years ago, the dedicated City staff who maintain this landmark space for the community, and most importantly, the merchants, vendors, shoppers, and visitors who make the Marketplace such a vibrant and special place.”
The Church Street Marketplace is a business improvement district created in 1981, that includes the public street and all properties that abut Church Street between Pearl and Main Streets. It is a National Register Historic District and has been named one of the Great Public Spaces in America for its historic buildings, thriving retail trade, carefully maintained streets and walkways, and strong community support.
40th Anniversary Festivities in the Church Street Marketplace
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4:00 pm Friday, September 17, Kick-Off – Burlington High School Band will perform on the Mall Block.
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7:00 pm, Friday, September 17, Free Movie Night with Ben & Jerry's – Between Pearl St and Cherry St, come watch Footloose on the Marketplace and celebrate 40 years of the marketplace with an 80's classic!
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2 – 6:00 pm, Saturday, September 18, Church Street Marketplace Birthday Bash - Throughout the Marketplace find; live music from Church St DJ's, Kid activities (face painting, giant games, big blue train), giveaways (including free ice cream and gift certificates to Marketplace restaurants), discounts to your favorite Marketplace stores, and free historic tours of the Marketplace.
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