Out and About

A Saturday Stroll, A Monthly Market

Story and photos by Jamie White
This picnic table in an out-of-the-way corner
makes a good vantage point from which to take
in the market’s action (and some of its food)
The scuffle of footsteps, the smoke from barbecue pits and the vibrant colors of a growing arts scene amplify the ease and warmth of this country picnic. As Clinton’s Main Street Market prepares to celebrate its ten-year anniversary, it offers a distinct vivacity for a unique picnic — visitors can stroll down Main Street past a group of ladies chatting over jewelry vendors, past a booth of handcrafted wooden spinners twirling in the breeze, past kids romping across the lush grass under oak shade, past the bright hues of murals and paintings that decorate walls, windows and wares.

Like any good Louisiana bon temps, the food is plentiful: prepared food such as hot sausage poboys and jambalaya; fresh organic greens from a produce stand; or Feliciana Delights’ deserts, from chocolate chip pecan pie to in-season cobblers.

Plop a blanket on the lawn of the state’s oldest functioning courthouse or prop your elbows on the picnic table nestled in a green corner of the market, as the monthly band serenades from the nearby wooden gazebo.

In its first year, the market hosted ten vendors. On its ten-year anniversary this month, it will host over a hundred, offering plants, spring gifts, food, woodworks, art, crafts, antique linens, produce and more. Aiding in the celebration will be artists painting on the picturesque courthouse grounds and the Feliciana Belles performing their May Pole dance, while student art is up for view and the Bayou Blasters play the market’s live upbeat soundtrack.

Clinton’s visions for the future include rehabilitating building facades, starting an arts market and creating a Main Street visitors center. While the market’s driven past and surging development keep the morning alive with activity, shoes still slip off easily so toes can relax between cool blades of grass, and grabbing a bite on a sunny Saturday afternoon still delivers the easy smiles and relaxed pace any country picnic should.

Details. Details. Details.

Clinton’s Main Street takes place along side that community’s historic courthouse the first Monday of every month. This month celebrates the market’s 10th anniversary.