POTSDAM — A groundbreaking ceremony will be held for the new village pavilion in Ives Park on Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m. during the first Potsdam Farmer’s Market of the season.

The village recently received a Hometown Grant from T-Mobile to construct the pavilion to house the weekly farmer’s market there.

Potsdam was one of the 25 small towns winning the company’s Hometown Grants.

The grant program is offered to “jumpstart vital community development projects to re-energize these towns and build upon what makes them unique,” said a press release from T-Mobile.

“We have our big check from T-Mobile and our shovels ready! This isn't just ceremonial... we are ready to begin site work right away. Representatives from the Potsdam Farmer's Market and other community partners who will benefit from this great resource will also be there. Please join us, and then visit our farmers and vendors afterward!” said Village Trustee Alexandra Jacobs Wilke.

Launched in April 2021, T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow by providing funding to kickstart important new community development projects, said the company.

Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns.

Towns across America with a population of fewer than 50,000 people are eligible for Hometown Grants.

The groundbreaking was originally scheduled for earlier this spring but had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.