Actually, around here it is known as Fair Day.

Few retail ventures have withstood the changes of the generations as well as Fair Day. Fair Day is an outdoor Farmers Market with a history dating back to the early days of the 1860's, just prior to the civil war.

Through the past 140 years this unique gathering of buyers and sellers has convened in different parts of downtown Watertown. Most residents over 40 can well recall when area farmers parked along both sides of Second Street, from Main Street north into the 800 block and beyond. That brought the bartering and the noise of animals into the residential blocks of second street. Imagine waking to noise of the fair in the predawn hours of a Tuesday morning.

In the 1970's the "Fair" was moved into the public parking lots on North First Street, along the Rock River. The move was necessitated for the safety of the shoppers as well as the vendors. In more recent years, the Fair was further modified so that no live animals are sold at during fair hours.

Today, Fair Day is held weekly on Tuesday from May to November from 7 until 1 p.m., in the Riverside Park Parking Lot. Merchandise typical to Fair Day in the 21st century includes: Fresh produce, annual and perennial flowers, meat products, dairy items, fresh home baked goods, hand crafted household items, and other favorites such as honey, spices, and fresh cut flowers.

If you are interested in renting a spot for the fair, contact the chamber office at 920-261-6320 and ask for Andi. She'll be glad to help you become a part of this long standing Watertown tradition.