Story by: Kaitlin Ward

Photo by: Kaitlin Ward
The riverside arts market, also known as RAM, happens in Jacksonville every Saturday from 10am to 3pm. The market was founded in 1974 and is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge. With the tagline “loyal to local,” RAM showcases a variety of small businesses and local artists.
Residents come out each week for the local art and Farmers market. Jacksonville resident Nicole Catania is one of them.
“I first came a couple years ago when I was visiting Jax, but I’ve been coming every weekend since I moved here a couple months ago,” said Catania.
Catania says the reason she goes each week is to get her favorite cookies from vender Olive Affairs. She also enjoys supporting local businesses, especially those selling trinkets and jewelry. RAM highlights a variety of different artists and they have something for everyone.

Photo by: Kaitlin Ward
Local performers are given the opportunity to show off their talent on the River stage. They have had dancers, singers and musicians of all ages on their stage, and each week show case someone new. Some RAM attendees enjoy coming out just to watch the show and enjoy delicious food from different venders. UNF student, Sarah Haggerty uses RAM as a way to try out different food trucks here in Jax that she hasn’t yet been too.
“I like coming because each week I like trying different types of food so this week I went with fusion which is Thai food,” said Haggerty.
With food trucks from all over, this week Haggerty got to try a meal from Fusion, which was voted “Best food truck in Jacksonville.”
Food trucks aren’t the only place you can find food offered at RAM. Farmers Row is filled with the agricultural arts. The freshest produce can be found here, with Farmers coming in from all over. Riverside resident Dave Misola sells his microgreens here each week.

Photo by: Kaitlin Ward
“We moved here in Riverside and so we saw and knew we had to be a part of it” Said Misola.
Every week he is able to educate people on what microgreens are. Misola says that broccoli has been his best seller.
Even if you have visited RAM in the past, each week you are sure to find something you have never seen before.
For more information on attending or showcasing your art, go to riversideartsmarket.org.
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