NILES — Every week, the alley off of Second Street in Niles gets a chance to become a hub of activity. Here, local artisans set up shop to sell everything from fresh fruits and veggies to books and hand-crafted items.

The commotion is just part of the Artisan Alley Market and features dozens of local vendors. The market takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday through September in the alley off of Second Street. Vendors will also be present at 5 p.m. during Third Thursday events.

The Artisan Alley Market is a revival of the Niles Main Street Organization’s French Market which used to be hosted in the parking lot near the Eagle’s building. Re-construction on the Main Street bridge forced the market to close. Since then, the community has been asking for it to return, said Lisa Croteau, the Niles Main Street director. Last year, the Niles Main Street organization answered that call and revived the market, with a goal to offer more than just vendors for people to choose from.

Croteau said they wanted to make Artisan Alley part of a larger project to revitalize and attract more people to patronize downtown Niles.

“This year we have many folks from last year, some with changes,” Croteau said.

Among the alley vendors, people can find handmade dog treats from Pavlov’s Pets, fresh produce, baked from scratch desserts from Excalibur Bakery, books from Shelf Life Community Bookstore and Trailhead Garden plants, to name just a few. A number of other vendors will take part in the market throughout the season, including Craven Cupcakes. Each Sunday, a musician will also perform live music for the event.

Special to the event this year, Croteau also wants to recognize youth entrepreneurs. On the second Sunday of the month, youth entrepreneurs will be invited to showcase their skills.

“Anybody who has somebody in their world that would like to try selling art or food if they want to call and find out if they fit under Cottage Industry,” Croteau said. “We want to make sure the second Sundays can focus on the really talented and wonderful youth entrepreneurs in our area.”

Croteau encouraged those who visit the market to also stop by a local storefront.

“The market is catty corner from the Brass Eye. They do a wonderful bloody Mary bar on Sunday mornings,” Croteau said. “The Paris Soda Co. always has breakfast Sunday morning. There’s some reasons to come down and enjoy what we have to offer.”

While visiting the Main Street corridor, Croteau said she also hopes people take in the recently decorated planters that were created by community members involved in a summer-long planter contest. She also invited people to drop by Riverfront Park to catch a free movie in the park at 9:30 p.m. every Friday, behind Wonderland Cinema. This Friday, there will be a showing of “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

With plenty of room left for other vendors or budding entrepreneurs, Croteau invited them to take part in the Artisan Alley Market. Those interested in participating can do so by contacting Croteau at (269) 687-4332.

“There is plenty of opportunity and space,” Croteau said. “Because it is fun. It is a lovely way to spend the day and a lot of folks come by right after church. We have some really good vendors.”

To learn more, visit: nilesmi.org/community/niles_market_in_the_alley.php.