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Farmers market scheduled to open downtown

by Hope Nealson Western News
| April 19, 2008 12:00 AM

In a meeting last Monday night, 12 to14 Farmers Market vendors said they were interested in staying put at the former location, splitting from the former Kootenai Farmers Market's decision to move.

After the sale of the old school building grounds to Libby Lofts, the Board of Directors for the Kootenai Farmers Market planned a location switch - allegedly without asking the vendors - to the Heritage Museum located at 1367 U.S. Highway 2 south of town.

This decision was made despite the fact that Libby Lofts owner, Eric Berry, offered the former farmers market grounds to be used free of charge.

Debi Davidson could not be reached as of press time for comment as to why the location decision was made without asking the vendors where they would rather sell their goods.

Juanita Schikora, who has been the Market Master of the Kootenai Farmers Market for the last three years, said everyone had a part in the decision - vendors and potential buyers alike - and came to the conclusion that the downtown location would be more accessible.

“This is basically a joint effort for all the vendors,” she said. “We're going to work together, and it's for the good of the community.”

Freddie Phillips, a long-time vendor who has sold jewelry at the market for years, explained that more people are within walking distance of the downtown spot than the proposed museum location off U.S. Highway 2, which is located further south of town off the highway.

“There's just a disagreement about where to go,” said Phillips, who added some vendors didn't want to drive the extra miles.

Vendors who have signed on to sell their goods - from jewelry to homemade baked goods to honey to art - will be open for business May 8.

For now “The Market vendors” will be managed by the partners of Libby Lofts - including Eric Berry, along with Ron Carter, who will coordinate logistical organization.

“This is going to turn into a really good thing for the farmers market and for the Lofts,” said Carter. “I think it's going to cause the farmers market to grow and be a lot better off financially,” he added, noting the prime downtown location.

The Market vendors will specifically be coordinated by Schikora, with Master Gardener Frank Votapka in charge of information services.

“He started a blog for all the vendors,” said Ron Carter, who attended the farmers market meeting last Monday. “Eric has really gone to bat over this and I'm really glad he did.”

The Market vendors are currently designing a logo and welcomes anyone interested or with questions to contact Schikora at 293-3996, or visit Berry's blog at www.thelibbylofts.com for more information.

So far, the two Farmers Markets will officially open Thursday, May 8th, from 3pm to 6pm and one Saturday a month - one at the former location of the Farmers Market on the Libby Lofts grounds and one at the Heritage Museum.