NEDERLAND — Nederland’s Boston Avenue was a modern Norman Rockwell painting Saturday.

Families strolled across brick paved crosswalks and flags waved in the wind from storefronts as people stopped at various canopied tables to purchase everything from handmade quilts and fresh produce and jellies to home décor, school spirit items and much more during Nederland Spring Market.

“This is definitely a community event,” Kay DeCuir, executive director of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation, which headed up the event.

Forty-three vendors came out and lined Boston Avenue, where several blocks were barricaded off.

One of those shoppers was Cheryl Roy, a former Groves resident and Nederland teacher. She stopped by the Nederland Senior Citizens Center booth to pick out a quilt with a little help from Nancy Bernard, president of the center’s board, and Doris Parsons, vice-president of the board. Roy said she was on the lookout for a quilt when she headed to the market.

Rei Jones stopped by CSK Designs booth to check out the jewelry with mom Becky Jones.

“This is just lovely,” Becky Jones said. “It’s a nice hometown event and I’ve seen half the teachers from the school here.”

Joyce Simon of Evadale was on hand selling fresh grown produce and her homemade “Jellies and More” while nearby Nederland High School’s show choir, Ned and Company, belted out the songs and provided the live entertainment.

Years ago there was a similar event held on the third Thursday of each month but it didn’t last. DeCuir pondered hosting a monthly event as well but decided to hold a twice-yearly market instead.

“We wanted to see if we can work this thing up,” DeCuir said, adding this is the second May event. “Last year’s fell on Mother’s Day weekend but we still had a lot of people come out.”

The next market day will be held Oct. 27.

A number of vendors were non-profit and included a Project Graduation booth, various schools PTA’s and band boosters.

“It costs them nothing and is a great way for fundraising,” she said.

Besides the street vendors, shops were also open with sales and special and there were chances to grab a bite to eat everything from cupcakes and burgers to links and lemonade.

Reporter: Mary Meaux, 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews