Additional ways to support local artisans
By Colin Anderson
For the past 15 years, many across North Idaho have made the annual pilgrimage to the Holiday Market. Once held at the middle school, due to increase in size and participation, it is now held annually at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. The Holiday Market is put on by the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market, one of the oldest weekly markets in the state having started back in 1980 with just a few vehicles in a parking lot. Today the market is a near year-round event with special days like spring seed swaps, flowers for Mother’s Day, Garlic Festival, Fall Harvest and, of course, the Holiday Market.
“It is great for doing a little holiday shopping early with handmade gifts,” says Sam Smith, who handles marketing for the market.
The Holiday Market will again take place at the fairgrounds this year on Saturday, November 13, and will run from 9am to 3pm. Foods like honey, winter squash and other vegetables, flour, jams and jellies will all be on hand. Others will be featuring handmade furniture, jewelry and photography, knits and décor, pottery, and so much more. There will be a few demonstrations as well as food and drink to enjoy while you peruse the various booths.
In response to the popularity of the event, organizers of the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market have decided to add some additional winter days in which you can purchase a variety of goods. “We are trying this for the first time this year, and it should really help our vendors during the off-season and help their customers,” said Smith.
Dates for the Winter Markets are the first three Saturdays in December: December 4, 11 and 18.These markets will also be located at the fairgrounds and run from 9am to 3pm. It’s a great place to find some of those last-minute unique holiday gifts, and there will also be prepared foods and more.
“We are hoping for a large success so we can continue this next year and maybe even be able to expand it in years to come,” Smith says.
If you need additional information or are interested in becoming a vendor, you can visit BonnersFerryFarmersMarket.org or reach out to them on Facebook.