Farmer's markets doing well in C-Falls

Farmer's Markets in Columbia Falls are doing well this summer, organizers say. O'Brien Byrd heads up the Columbia Falls Community Market next to his liquor store and a second market, called the Columbia Falls Farmer's Market is next to Pinewood Park.

Byrd said the community market, which is a separate non-profit entity, has seven food vendors, nine farmers and 32 craft vendors. It also features live music from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and a dance floor inside The Coop, a shaded venue.

"We knew Columbia Falls was ready for something new," he said last week. "We were confident in that."

The market at Pinewood Park also hosts music and has dozens of vendors as well, volunteer Amy Weeks said.

"It's been good for Columbia Falls so far," she said. "Our early season numbers are up. I think a lot of people are parking in between and going to both."

Byrd's market has microbrewery and micro distillery vendors from across the region each week on a rotating basis. Byrd admits that helps the draw, especially on a hot summer day.

"It's a changing of the times," he said. "If you go to a function there's going to be microbrews."

There's also a ripple effect across the town. Restaurants report better business on market nights and with a rodeo every Thursday at the Blue Moon, Columbia Falls is the place to be on the fourth day of every week.

The community market also accepts Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program payments. Folks in the SNAP program get tokens they can buy fresh produce and baked goods like bread. There's a match as well, so they can get two for one, said volunteer Karen Black. The market is doing this in cooperation with the Whitefish Farmer's Market and is supported by the Whitefish Community Foundation.

The Pinewood market also has vendors that accept SNAP payments, Weeks said. In addition, they've had a food trailer sponsored by the local 4-H group.

"It's nice to help out another nonprofit," Weeks said.