Farmers market season opens next week

It’s time to break out those reusable bags — farmer’s market season is nearly upon us. Next Wednesday afternoon, vendors will present an array of early season offerings ranging from herbs and vegetable starts to baked goods and wooden creations as the Bigfork Farmers Market Co-op kicks off their season May 12 from 3-6 p.m.. The market has been around since 2007 and takes place every Wednesday from mid-May through mid-October at 22 Swan Way, adjacent to the Bigfork Liquor Barn. Farm manager and co-op president Jodi Fee said 16 vendors are on the roster this season, which could fluctuate week to week with the addition of guest vendors.

“We come together to provide an alternative venue for people to sell their products and its all locally grown or manufactured or baked or processed,” Fee said.

New this year are monthly giveaways the first of which will be held on opening day where the first 25 guests will walk away with a free lettuce start.

“We figure if we give away starts and plants that are ready to go in the ground, that’ll help people get going,” Fee noted.

Raffle ticket sales will also begin that first week for a chance to win a stand-up paddleboard. The SUP will be raffled off Fourth of July weekend.

A sampling of this year’s vendors includes East Shore Produce, which carries everything from tomatoes and beans to okra and beets along with Snapper Products, which offers wooden shelves, trunks and puzzles. Ayramour Farmstead will be on-site will delicious baked goods and Cathy Mae Creations will present potted plants, produce and jewelry.

The Bigfork Village Market opens for the summer on Monday, June 7 from 5-7:30 p.m. and will run each Monday, except Labor Day, through Sept. 27. Market-goers can make an afternoon of it with a free yoga class hosted by Curative Yoga on the yard near Lake Baked beginning at 3 p.m.

The market will be held in the parking lot near Lake Baked on Mill Street. Musicians will rotate on a weekly basis on the stage at River View Bar, starting with Hardwood Hearts on June 7 and Mike Murray Duo the following week.

“There’s a huge lawn for kids and family to listen and dance,” explained market founder Jenny Evans.”We felt like you couldn't have a market without creating space for these talented musicians.”

The Bigfork Village Market got its start in 2018 and has remained focused on building community by creating a space for locals to connect while supporting regional farmers and makers.

This year’s lineup includes a number of vendors offering organic produce, fruit, fresh cut flowers, pottery and jewelry. Sourdough bread will be offered by Blue and Rose Funk along with baked items from B and R Bakery, just to name a few of the 27 vendors.

“This year is our most diverse and full market that we’ve had yet,” Evans said.

The Village Market will also feature a kid’s tent with unique activities each week hosted by ACES After-School Program.

A new initiative at this year’s market is a push for zero waste meaning that most vendors will be using compostable or minimal waste packaging.

“Most of us that have helped to organize the market believe that we need to be good stewards of the earth,” Evans explained. “Promoting zero waste and compostable packaging is something that goes hand in hand with hosting a farmers market.”

For more information about the Bigfork Village Market, visit www.bigforkvillagemarket.org or email info@bigforkmarket.org. To learn more about the Bigfork Farmers Market Cooperative go to www.bigforkfarmersmarket.com or email bffm@bigforkfarmersmarket.com.