The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is a weekly community market held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, in Historic Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. It is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge, alongside the St. Johns River, and features a diverse array of vendors including artists, food artists, farmers, and food vendors, along with live entertainment options [2] [3] [4] [5].

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RAM is produced by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic fabric, arts, culture, local businesses, and public spaces of the Riverside Avondale neighborhood [1] [3] [4] [5] [6]. The market serves as a vital economic outlet for small businesses, artists, makers, and farmers in Jacksonville, promoting a "loyal to local" philosophy [1]. It attracts over 4,000 visitors weekly and is considered a family-friendly and pet-friendly event [2] [4] [5].

Key features and initiatives of the Riverside Arts Market include:

• Vendor Offerings: Shoppers can find fresh local produce, handmade art, jewelry, candles, plants, bath and body products, and various street food options [1] [4] [5].
• Live Entertainment: The market boasts a 350-person amphitheater, known as Northbank Riverwalk Artists’ Square, which hosts live music and dance performances [4] [5].
• Sustainability Efforts: RAM has implemented a "Greening Campaign" since 2021, aiming to be a model for "green" events and protect the St. Johns River. This includes a partnership with Apple Rabbit Compost, offering composting services for farmers with support from TerraWise Homes, to divert food waste from landfills [1].
• Community Engagement: RAM encourages volunteer participation for market setup, sales, and site beautification [1]. It also offers activities like 9 AM yoga and guest speakers [5].
• Accessibility: The market is wheelchair accessible and provides public restrooms. Dining and shopping are available within walking distance [2]. Free parking is available at the Fidelity/Black Knight Financial building and in the surrounding neighborhood, with a bike valet service also offered [5].
• Producer-Only Market: Since 2016, RAM has operated as a producer-only market, ensuring that only true local farms are allowed as vendors to promote locally grown food [5].
• Food Assistance Programs: RAM participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) programs, allowing local produce sellers to double their earnings through a partnership with Florida Organic Grower's Incentive program [5].
• Recognition: RAM has received numerous accolades, including being a six-time winner of Folio Weekly’s Best of Jacksonville Award for Best Farmers’ Market and the Urban Land Institute’s North Florida District Council’s Public Sector Award in 2012. It has also been featured in publications like USA Today and The Financial Times of London [5].

The market's establishment in 2009 was spearheaded by Wayne Wood, a Jacksonville activist and founder of RAP, who envisioned a greater use for the area under the bridge, drawing inspiration from a similar farmers' market in Portland, Oregon [5].

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