Farmer’s Market Packs Up Until Next Season

By Steve Gimmestad

steve@coastalbreezenews.com

(Insert heavy sigh here) Well, another season of the farmer’s market is in the books. April 22nd was the final takedown and many hugs and, yes, even a tear or two on the last day. Let’s hope the summer goes quickly cause there are many people that will be missed.

“Many of these vendors don’t have a store,” said Amanda Kuck, a farmer’s market regular. “The only place I can get some of this great stuff is right here. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but it’s still kinda hard when they’re gone.”

“We don’t have

a brick and mortar, we’re farmer market. The season was awesome! It was one of the busiest season that we had,” said Colleen Rose of Fort Myers. “They had really good PR, everyone knew when to come. Once you know who you’re shopping with (vendors) it just keeps getting busier and busier. Don’t fix what isn’t broken so no need for any changes for next season. This place is awesome!”

One aspect that was echoed by vendors is how well this market is managed. And this comes from people who do a lot of markets throughout the year. The teamwork

from all sides is very apparent as people walk and shop. A wide variety of vendors, a nice open layout, communication and cooperation from everyone involved makes this a great market for vendors and the public.

Alex Galiana, Recreation Supervisor for Marco Island spoke about this year’s market. “All good things must come to an end. We had a really good season. This year was about 80 different vendors with 100 booths. Overall, our numbers were pretty consistent as far as attendance with other years. About 1,500-2,000 people come through from January into March every Wednesday. Then it begins to

taper off. In talking with vendors, it sounds like customers had some extra money and spent more this year. We’re proud of our farmer’s market and enjoy it very much. We’re already looking forward to next season.”

Luckily, having no farmer’s market is a temporary situation. If all goes right with the universe, the fall season will return as usual and bring back our beloved market. Until then, perhaps we need to form a citizen’s committee and find a good use for our Wednesday’s this summer. Send me some ideas and I’d be happy to pass them along.