Downtown Fort Dodge is on the rebound.

During the last several years, storefronts up and down Central Avenue and on nearby streets that have too long been vacant are once again coming to life commercially. The city’s historic business district is becoming the home to an impressive array of new stores and other firms. Many of these enterprises are exactly the type of family-owned and operated ventures that have long been a driving force in our nation’s economy.

The success of Market on Central, which resumes Thursday, is a fine example of the renaissance in downtown Fort Dodge.

In 2011, this fun event was launched. Each summer since it has gotten better. This year is shaping up to be the best Market on Central season yet.

Market on Central returns to downtown Fort Dodge on Thursday. It will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Central Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets.

Just what can someone find at Market on Central? There will certainly be a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce. But there will also be homemade baked goods, wines, jams, salsas, cheese, pasta, cut flowers, perennials, artwork, crafts, pottery and jewelry.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming dates for Market on Central. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 20 and 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8.

The word is spreading throughout north central Iowa and beyond that Market on Central is the place to be each summer.

Check out this fun event this Thursday. You’ll be glad you did.