Bonners Ferry Farmers Market has returned for 2022 season By Jillian Chandler | Photo courtesy Bonners Ferry Farmer's Market
Spring is in full swing, with summer just around the corner. Which means … it’s farmers market season! The 2022 Bonners Ferry Farmers Market kicked off on April 30 and will continue through October 1. Held 8am to 1pm every Saturday at the City Parking Lot, it’s a community affair that everyone in Bonners Ferry and beyond can partake.
With anywhere from 25 to 35 booths each week, market-goers will be treated to a wide variety of goods for sale from fresh produce, woodworked items, jewelry, pottery, soaps and bath products, art, photography, donuts—even a handmade machine that makes fresh ice cream!
“The Bonners Ferry Farmers Market has a very hometown feel to it,” shares Cassidy Cossairt, Bonners Ferry Farmers Market board member. “We see a lot of familiar faces on a weekly basis, and we get a lot of tourists in the height of summer, and we welcome everyone.”
This year, instead of holding just a one-day customer appreciation event, organizers are excited to be offering a weekly customer appreciation drawing. “We're very excited!” says Cassidy. “We will be giving out a gift certificate, a handmade item or homegrown produce from one of our vendors each week.”
Customers are encouraged to head to the market each week to enter for a chance to win. “It's a way to get our customers excited for the market and to let our regular vendors show how much we appreciate all the people who come to shop at the market,” she adds. “We wouldn't have a market without customers.”
And there wouldn’t be a market without the many wonderful vendors. With the goal to allow and accommodate vendors, there aren’t strict rules, and fees are kept moderate. “It's a great way to dip your toes into selling your goods without investing a lot of money into it,” states Cassidy. “Our board is made up of vendors and past market managers, so we know what makes the market work and can brainstorm and implement changes to improve it. We encourage customer and vendor suggestions for improvement as well.”
For those who have not yet applied to be a vendor and are interested are encouraged to submit your applications the month prior to your desired start date, as your application will need to be approved at the farmers market board meetings the first Thursday of each month. (If you want to vend in June, have your application turned in by the end of May.) To be a vendor, submit an application with your $25 application fee, then once approved by the board, it's just $100 for the entire season or $25 per market you'd like to sell at.
The market is always looking for musicians and entertainers to round out the market experience. Anyone who would like to sing, play music or showcase a special talent can contact board@bonnersferryfarmersmarket.org or send them a message on Facebook or Instagram.
Special Dates to Remember:
May 7 - Flowers for Mom: Celebrate Mother's Day with the market. Kids can plant a free flower for their mom. The high school band and choir will be there to wow with their musical talent while you shop for wonderful gifts for the special mother in your life.
June 18 - Kids Day: This is a day filled with fun activities for the kids! This is the day to color the market with sidewalk chalk, enjoy games and just a good time for the entire family. There will also be live music.
August 20 - Garlic Festival: A long-standing tradition at the market, this is the day to come get all things garlic: fresh garlic, powdered garlic, beautiful garlic braids, garlic bread and baked goods. While shopping, listen to the upbeat and fun Coeurimba band!
October 1 - Harvest Festival and Last Day of the outdoor markets for the 2022 season: To celebrate the end of the outdoor farmers market season and welcome fall, vendors will be offering market favorites along autumn-inspired items like pumpkins, apples to cornstalk swags.
November 12, 19, 26 - Winter Holiday Markets: Once the regular season has come to an end, you can shop the Winter Holiday Market, held at the Exhibit Hall at the Boundary County Fairgrounds, for all your holiday gifts and stock up on items from your favorite vendors before winter.
“It's a pleasure to be a vendor at the market,” smiles Cassidy. “We love seeing all the regulars, we love chatting and laughing with all the customers. We are constantly impressed with the new items our vendors make. We really live in a wonderful community full of creative and hardworking people who sell really awesome products.”