Troy Farmers Market opens today

The Troy Farmers Market will begin its season of brining food and fun to the community with the grand opening Friday afternoon. The market, now in its third year, is expanding to provide more options to consumers as well as services to vendors.

“We’re really hoping to build a local food and social hub for people in the area,” said organizer Shawna Kelsey.

The opening will feature, in addition to food and craft vendors, live music and baby animals from a local farmer.

“She’s going to bring baby goats, and some baby chicks, maybe other animals,” Kelsey said.

The market is held on the Troy museum grounds, which Kelsey said provides people with a one-stop destination for summer afternoon fun.

“It’s in a shaded area, near the river, so it’s about five degrees cooler there,” she said. “People can tour the museum and it’s also next to the folf gourse, which is one of the prettiest courses in Montana.”

The market averaged about eight vendors each afternoon of the 2014 season, most of whom are food vendors. Kelsey said organizers aim for a ratio of about four food vendors to each craft vendor.

The farmers market is sponsored by the Yaak Valley Forest Council, who picks up the tab for the annual expenses, such as insurance. The market operates under the group’s non-profit umbrella, but Kelsey said she hopes to develop the market into its own, independent 501(c)3 group at some point. 

The City of Troy allows the market to use the museum grounds space without charge.

“The city’s been really generous with allowing us to be there,” Kelsey said.

Thanks to a federal grant, the market is offering new benefits to vendors this year.

First, the farmers market will be providing matching canopies to all vendors renting space at the market, helping create a uniform experience for vendors and guests. 

Also, funds from the grant are being used to provide training to vendors. Two courses have been scheduled for this season. The first is a course on providing excellent customer service, was held Wednesday evening. The second, which will be held next week, will be on food safety.