Farmers start market season

POLSON - The oldest farmers' market in the state of Montana opened the 2010 season in its new location on a beautiful spring morning, a welcome reprieve from recent rainy weather.

The Polson farmers' market, which market manager Don Blais said has been in existence since the mid-1960s, opened Friday morning at its new location on Third Avenue between Main and First Avenue West.

"We may have to tweak it a bit, but I'm glad we could finally make it come to fruition," city parks director Karen Sargeant said. "It's the result of a lot of hard work, and I'm anxious to see where it goes."

Highlighted with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the new location has drawn rave reviews from attendees, vendors and downtown business owners. The old location, in the Masonic Lodge's parking lot on Fourth Avenue East, was less than ideal, most agreed. Margery Christensen, owner of DC Artworks, experienced her first season last year, but already envisions the new location as an upgrade.

"I think it's going to be really nice," she said. "It's going to be great for tourists and people walking through town. They couldn't see us up at the Masonic Lodge, so this will give us a little more visibility."

The change is the result of hard work and cooperation between various entities, Sargeant said. The city, business community, downtown business owners and vendors all worked together to make it work, she said, and the first day seemed to be indicative of that. People strolled the block and bought crafts, baked goods and plants from 23 different merchants while musician Dan Dubuque played an acoustic slide guitar on the bright, sunny morning. Rachel Violett, of Polson, browsed the different items with her two young children. Having the street closed to traffic gives the vendors more room and provides a safe environment for children, she said.

"I think it's wonderful and I'm so glad," Violett said of the move. "I've always wondered why it wasn't downtown or near a park or something. I think it's great for the community and the downtown businesses."

While it's still too early for most veggies and produce, Blais said he expects the market to fill as the season progresses. The old location maxed out at 27 vendor stands, he said, but the new location could conceivably fit twice as many salespeople.

"I would think by the peak of tourist season we should have this street filled," he said. "With the merchants welcoming us down here, it's great. It's a win-win for everybody."

Several of the businesses lining Third Avenue seemed to welcome the change. Quinn's Wrap Shack and The Cove Deli both serve food products, which will most likely benefit from increased foot traffic, Quinn's owner Shelley Quinn said. She said compromises were made, but the end result will no doubt bring beneficial results for all.

"I think it's good for downtown and it gives them more room," she said. "I also think it will help my breakfast business. It's good for us as a whole."

The downtown Polson farmers' market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday throughout the summer and into October, weather permitting.