“We’re hoping even more people will now come back out,” said Montague, who staffed a demo booth full of fresh bagged greens at Tuesday’s news conference at Pioneer Park. “It’s a safer venue. It’s outside, in the sunlight and the fresh air. So hopefully people feel safe, and we create a safe environment for everyone to come do their shopping.”
The 2022 version of the market will boast a full food fairway with some 300 booths, as well as the art and craft market returning in full force. The market will run Saturdays, from June 4 to October 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We have seen firsthand as a family how important these markets are to the economy,” Cox said. “We want people to come together to support farmers and local artisans.”
“Not only that, the market is a remarkable incubator for small businesses,” Miller said. “It offers a low barrier for any business to gain a broader business and customer base. Time and again, I hear stories about local businesses that began at this very market and then went on to grow into full-scale operations.”