PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Saturday was something of a tryout for the supporters of a plan to turn the waterfront site of a former nightclub into a permanent, year-round market for local foods.

The state, which owns the former Shooters property, allowed Eat Drink RI to hold a one-day market inside the remains of the long-derelict building next to India Point Park.

Cleaned up and made presentable, the building was home for one day to dozens of purveyors of local food and beverages, giving hundreds of visitors and dignitaries an idea what it would be like if it were to become permanent.

While people could buy locally made cheeses, relishes, soda and salsa, the event had a message, said David Dadekian, president of Eat Drink RI.

It was this: "Look what we can do. Look what we can have."

A banner proclaiming "Future Home of Eat Drink RI Central Market" welcomed visitors to the site next to India Point Park and the new terminal for the Newport-Providence ferry.

Katie Reeve of Lincoln was sold on the idea after stopping by the tables of many of the vendors and being encouraged to sample their products. At The Backyard Food Company, she bought six jars of condiments.

"I'm having the time of my life," Reeve said. "I got the tomato jam, which I've never had before. It was fantastic. I also got pepper relish."

"We need to support our homegrown farmers and businesses," Reeve said. "It's a great model."

The vendors couldn't agree more.

"We appreciate his vision," said Jeff Powell, referring to Dadekian.

Powell and his assistant, Danielle Spry, were serving up samples of their smoked seafood spreads and explaining how they use fish caught locally.

"It has scup, hake and cod," Spry told a customer willing to try the "RI Smoked Fish Salad."

Powell currently operates his Ocean State Smoked Fish Co. — what he likens to an "expensive hobby" out of the Hope & Main food business incubator in Warren.

"We're considering moving here," he said. "I think it will be something like a beacon for local food."

Dadekian said he was pleased that the state inspected the structure of the building for safety, painted it to freshen up its graffiti-covered appearance and made other improvements for the day. He was the only one to respond to the state when it put out a request for bids to reuse the property.

Dadekian said the plans for a new building — on display for all to see — include a building with two stories above the ground level, which could not be used due to the threat of flooding. There's space for two restaurants desiring a waterfront location.

The costs are projected at $9.8 million, which is why Dadekian is trying to interest the state in providing incentives to help make it happen. Among those who attended Saturday's event were state Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and U.S. Rep. David Cicilline.

— rsalit@providencejournal.com

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On Twitter: @RichSalit