Celebrating the cream of the public market world, Project for Public Spaces announced the 'Great Public Market Award' winners at it's Fifth International Public Market Conference in New York City. The results were unveiled at a special reception at Chelsea Market on November 9th.

"Public markets can really bring life to a town or city," says PPS President Fred Kent. "The 'Great Public Market Awards' provide the platform to show this to the world."

The awards recognize the best of America's public markets from small rural farmers' market to the traditional indoor public markets. The leadership award is for a person or organization that has successfully evolved a market to meet the needs of today's users. An award selection committee of seven judged the 120 public nominations to make the final selections.

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GREAT MARKETS / GREAT CITIES AWARD

For a major public market in North America that has added significantly to the social, economic and environmental health and well-being of its city.

Award of distinction: City Market, Kansas City, MO

Awards of merit: Granville Island Market, Vancouver, BC, AND River Market, Little Rock, AR

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GREAT COMMUNITY PLACE AWARD

For a smaller market that, although not necessarily well known nationally, has become a nucleus of social activity and revitalization in its community or neighborhood.

Award of distinction: Chinatown Night Market, San Francisco, CA

Awards of merit: Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca, NY, AND Vietnamese Market, New Orleans, LA

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CATALYST AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP

For a person or organization that has successfully evolved a market or other public space to meet the needs of today’s users, by involving the community, building stewardship and making a space for diverse community activities.

Award of distinction: A joint award between Barry Benepe and Bob Lewis

Awards of merit: Sibella Kraus AND Gus Schumacher