Sandpoint Farmers’ Market to open for 37th season

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Since its founding in 1988, the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market has been a beloved institution that draws locals and tourists alike to Farmin Park every Saturday and Wednesday through the warm-weather months.

The market will kick off its 37th season Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., offering fresh produce, plant starts, artisan crafts, live music, treats and everything in between. The market will stick to those Saturday hours each week and open Wednesdays from 3-5:30 p.m. until Oct. 18. 

Olivia Gonzales is preparing for her first season as market manager, a position she is happy to fill.

“I think what drew me to the position was a love for this community and desire to work at a job right in the mix of it,” Gonzales told the Reader.

Photo by Ben Olson.

Gonzales’ own childhood memories of farmers markets also influenced her decision to take the market manager position.

“Growing up, I always tagged along with my mom to the market in Bonners Ferry,” she said. “We had one particular farmer we shopped from my entire childhood, who my brothers and I called ‘The Carrot Lady.’ She would deliver veggies and we’d holler, ‘Mom! The Carrot Lady’s here!’ She was almost a magical figure to me because the foods we bought from her were so rich, unique, delicious and colorful.”

Gonzales said there are some exciting new vendors at the market this season, including a partnership with the East Bonner County Library District to offer a program for kids at Wednesday markets.

“All of you moms out there who want to shop for your veggies without your kiddos tugging at you, hit up the Wednesday market,” Gonzales said. 

The market will also invite local chef Alana Eckhart to return to hosting “Taste of the Market” days, during which she will demonstrate how to make a quick and easy dish using seasonal ingredients found at the market.

Currently, there are more than 65 local vendors, but Gonzales said anyone interested in becoming a vendor can still submit an application through sandpointfarmersmarket.com.

When asked why farmers’ markets are important to their communities, Gonzales said they allow for people to build lasting, quality relationships with those who provide them with food.

“In our technology-driven world where we are all increasingly distant from each other, it’s a place where we can build in-person relationships with our community and particularly with the people who are growing and making our food,” she said. “Shoppers and growers get to know each other and become mutually invested in one another’s lives. It’s a potent antidote to today’s fragile and environmentally detrimental food supply chains. Not to mention, it’s a weekend highlight for all walks of life in Sandpoint.”

The Sandpoint Farmers’ Market is located between Third and Fourth avenues and between Oak and Main streets in downtown Sandpoint.