Tom Saupe, the director of community outreach at Alternatives Unlimited in Northbridge is pretty excited for this Sunday. Of course, it's too early for football and he isn't going golfing, but he will be outside. This Sunday marks the first time that Alternatives will be hosting the Heritage Market at the beautiful and historic Whitin Mill in Northbridge.

Finding its beginnings as the Whitinsville Spinning Ring Company Mill, it was transformed into a sheltered workshop in 1977 where people with developmental and psychiatric disabilities could work. Today, the mill acts as a space where Saupe said common connections can be made between people with disabilities and members of the community, a step towards achieving Alternatives' goal of reintegration into the community.

Giving back to the community is another goal of Alternatives said Saupe, hence the Heritage Market.

Heather Charron of Alternatives explained that through providing free music from local musicians, baked goods and produce from nearby farms and handmade jewelry and various crafts from artisans in the Blackstone Valley, alternatives is able to give back to the area where they are located.

The Whitin Mills also acts as home for a theater and several art galleries where someone can see a lecture or take in some art at no cost.

The Heritage Market will take place from 12 to 3:00 p.m. starting on August 2 through September 27, excluding Labor Day weekend. Sitting right on the Blackstone River where the facility generates 87 percent of its own electricity with assistance from solar panels, the outdoor deck area is a natural choice for a way to spend a sunny, lazy Sunday afternoon.

Saupe offered the Market as a place for a family to stop after church or brunch, "have a coffee and a pastry and take in some live music."

Advertising 10 artists, eight vendors and 12 performances from artists and demonstrations -- the Heritage Market will "have something from everyone," said Charron.