Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Christopher G Mendla

The 2019 Merchant’s Mart was blessed with decent weather this year. As usual, there were wall to wall people and good times. 

The Merchant’s Mart is held on the Saturday of Chowderfest weekend. Most of the vendors are housed in the tents that will be used for Chowderfest the next day.  In addition there is a band, food and a beer garden. 

Admission is free for the Merchant’s Mart. Finding parking can be a challenge. This year, cars were parked as far north as 15th street. The event is held on 9th street. There are shuttle buses available. 

Some enterprising homeowners were offering paid parking in their driveways or on their lots. 

There are usually a couple of hundred people in chairs and bleachers listening to the band on stage at any time. There are a few high top tables available. You can grab something at the food court as well as a beer and kick back. The music leans toward country/rock and the bands have been excellent. 

The tents are lined with stalls from the participating merchants. There are a number of clothing and craft shops. There are also a large number of vendors offering services. I stopped Albreecht’s Island Air LLC. They sell split HVAC units. The owner gave me a good idea of the cost and what would be involved in installing a system in our 2 story 1950’s Cape Cod. I’m not ready for that yet but it is on my ‘list of stuff to do’.   Check the list of Merchant’s Mart Vendors for a complete list. There was a group that specialized in German Shorthair rescues. That bought back memories of my uncle’s shorthair, Schultz. 

Reclam the Bay had their usual booth at the main entrance. They are working to maintain the clam, oyster and scallop populations. 

They have some of the beach wheelchairs available for mobility impaired people.  

To say that the shops at the Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village were mobbed would be an understatement. There was a line of about 20+ people for chowder at Country Kettle Chowda and another 20 or 30 for fudge or chowder at the Country Kettle Fudge shop. I got very lucky and was able to slip into Cool Beans for a coffee during a lull. The Crust and Crumb was standing room only. Well, actually, there are no seats inside. But, it was crowded. I was supposed to bring home an elephant ear so I tried the candy shop in Schooner’s Wharf. I guess people don’t like to climb stairs after a day of walking.