WINONA LAKE -- Those visiting Winona Lake this weekend will start to see the summertime potential that the new Miller Sunset Pavilion has to offer.

The pavilion’s ice rink opened last winter to rave reviews and town officials are hoping the venue is just as popular in the summer.

Looking at the 20,000-square-foot open-air facility, one can envision it attracting lots of different uses. Ken Nisly, who helps manage the facility for the town, said that's what they're aiming for.

"We've had a lot of comments on that already," Nisly said.

First up this spring is the new farmers market, which debuts Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nisly said they have 8-10 vendors lined up this week and thinks the number will likely grow as more people learn about it. He said they want to see it evolve as a classic farmers market that remains focused on food.

He said they don't view it as competition with the Warsaw Farmers Market, which also returns to downtown Warsaw on Saturday.

"Again, it's nothing against their farmers market ... this is something that's been in the process for literally 12 years (that) we've been talking about this," Nisly said.

"We just want to see it benefit the community and the surrounding areas," he said.

Nisly said the pavilion will also serve as the center for the jazz festival and is also seen as a great backup for events like the arts and crafts festival in case of inclement weather.

On top of that, the pavilion will be a big part of the Fat & Skinny Bike Fest which arrives on the weekend of May 19.

[caption id="attachment_78163" align="aligncenter" width="796"] The Miller Sunset Pavilion spans 20,000 square feet. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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