By Avery Taylor Artesia Daily Press On Tuesday evenings this summer, Artesia MainStreet has been hosting its Oil Patch Market events. The next two are on July 30 and August 6.

The Oil Patch Market is a Farmers’ and Makers’ Market held at the Derrick Floor on Main Street. It runs from 5:30 until dusk.

The market features vendors selling goods such as bread, pet treats and lemonade.

Morgan Fox, the Director of Artesia MainStreet, said the organization wanted to add a third weekly market in the southeast New Mexico area. Carlsbad has a market on Thursday, and Roswell on Saturday, she said.

Main Street’s goal in creating the market was to provide a place for “something to do” over the summer, Fox said.

“I believe that the Oil Patch Market lends itself to the ‘Hallmark movie’ feel of Artesia,” Fox said. “It provides something to do with your community. Families are out enjoying the musical playground and fountain at the Derrick, friends are shopping, and people are supporting one another.”

Turnout at the Oil Patch Market has increased week by week, Fox said. There are spaces for around 30 vendors, and Fox said and the past couple of weeks have seen the vendor sign up filled to capacity.

Additionally, there are spaces for kids and nonprofit organizations, Fox said.

“We’re excited to offer nonprofit organizations and kids’ spaces at no cost thanks to a grant from the Yates Legacy Foundation,” Fox said. “Even more exciting is that several nonprofits and about five different youth entrepreneurs show up weekly” To get the market started, Main-Street secured the Derrick Floor as a location, submitted an event application to the City Council and then contacted and advertised to vendors, Fox said. She said the events have shown improved organization as time has passed.

The market will continue, on dates to be determined, once a month in September through December, Fox said. She added that MainStreet wants to continue the markets each summer.

Feedback from vendors and the Artesia community has been positive, Fox said. “People are enjoying shopping and selling, although we’re still holding out for actual produce,” Fox said.