joe hendricks | SUN
Popular with the shoppers of all ages, the seasonal
Sunday Market on Bridge Street will not take place this year.
BRADENTON BEACH – Island Time and Bridge Street Bistro co-owner and managing partner Bill Herlihy has agreed to serve as the new president of the Bridge Street Merchants Association.
In a statement provided by Jack Clarke, the association's new executive director, Herlihy said, "I am honored to accept the position as president of the Bridge Street Merchants Association. My predecessor Angela Rodocker did an outstanding job and I aspire to continue to accomplish all of the goals set forth by our board of directors. Bridge Street and Bradenton Beach have seen so many positive things happen recently to our community and businesses and I am confident that we will be able to keep moving in a favorable direction that will promote Bridge Street and our mission statement."
When she announced her resignation in August, Rodocker issued a statement to the board members that said, "After being your president of the Merchant Association for over two years, I am stepping down from this position as of September 1st. I have greatly enjoyed being a part of everything that we have done and created for the street; and although I will not be on the board at this time, I will remain the committee chair for Christmas on Bridge Street. At the same time, I would like to welcome Jack Clarke as the Bridge Street Merchants' first executive director."
In regard to the seasonal Sunday Market, Rodocker, while still serving as president, issued an e-mail to the board members and merchants that said, "The board has agreed to discontinue the Sunday Market on Bridge Street. Although it had become known and successful to many, the cost to continue was going to outweigh the benefits given the fact that we were going to have to move it to the street with the impending building on the empty lot. It was also going to have a significant impact on the parking situation by closing a portion of the street. We will continue to keep our relationship with our loyal vendors and many have agreed to come back for our special events."
Beyond providing seasonal sales space to local vendors and artists, the Sunday Market also featured food tastings, fund-raisers, live entertainment and other community events.
In addition to the annual Christmas on Bridge Street celebration, the merchants will continue to host the annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue festival that takes place each spring.
Visit the Bridge Street Merchants online at www.visitbridgestreet.com.