We are almost half way through the season already and summer is finally here. The fountain looked so inviting on Tuesday that if it wasn’t for some kids re-directing the spray, soaking unsuspecting passers, I would have got closer.

The plaza was so alive with activities last week. The water tables from the Children’s Creative Center art projects looked cooling, the Martial Arts students looked hot and the toddlers in the 30 minutes of freedom playroom had all the shade! I want to be little again!

The plaza will again be filled to over flowing on the 13^th as the 5^th Annual Dogs on Parade takes to the streets of the Marketplace, then back again, for contests and prizes. A fundraiser for the Bonnie L Hays Animal Shelter, a $1 donation gets you lined up to stroll to the sounds of the Trouble Makers and their annual marathon rendition of ‘Walk the Dog’!

There was a lot of new art on Tuesday as First Tuesday Artwalk joined us and to keep them all entertained, Gayle Ritt played a little guitar. This is the third area we have added music to and its kind of nice to move from street to street from music to music. They are just far enough away to not compete. Gayle had so much fun she will be back. So go take a listen and maybe buy a cd. First Tuesday Artwalk joins us again on August 3^rd.

If you are a regular to the Marketplace you will notice we moved things around on the Courthouse Lawn to allow for more seating under the trees; the best place to be when the temps are high! Lots of people bring blankets and chairs, claim a space, and make a night of it… I love it!

When we have a busy night at Market we have a lot of cleaning up. A team of local teens, who just like ‘hanging at the Market’ joined the crew last week and worked really hard to pick up garbage and help fold chairs for free sodas and t-shirts. A small price to pay for getting me home before midnight! My crew and I really appreciated that. Thanks.

And to David, who has spent many, many Tuesdays helping in the sponsor area, we will miss your smiling face. Our hearts are with you and your family.

You can find all event information about the Hillsboro Tuesday Marketplace on the web at www.tuesdaymarketplace.org. Meet at the Marketplace every Tuesday evening from 5:00 – 8:30 pm through August 31.