Market makers
Ennis Montana Farmers Market coming to town
Veggies, baked goods and crafts, oh my! A new farmers market is coming to Ennis starting Saturday, May 1.
Following a “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a farmers market right in Ennis?” type of conversation a few months ago, Cece Weldon, Cory Hardy and Matt Ortega pitched the idea to others in Ennis and found plenty of support for their idea. Inspired by the positive feedback, the trio recently decided to take the bull by the horns and bring their market musings to life as the Ennis Montana Farmers Market.
The organizers have learned that there’s plenty of behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting on a successful market. Guidance from Twin Bridges Farmers Market organizer Coree Martin has proved invaluable, and with her help, the Ennis Montana Farmer’s Market will be off and running at the Lions Club Park soon.
Weldon explained that the market will focus on things like produce, baked and other edible, homemade items as well as some arts and crafts. The main thing, though, is that everything must be made in Montana.
Next year, said Weldon, the goal is to offer the SNAP program for low-income marketgoers. The only requirement to qualify for the program is that the market’s offerings are at least 50% produce related.
Other than craft-related caps, there will not be any limitations on the number of booths selling specific items. “We’re trying to put as little restriction on it as possible,” said Weldon, “in the hopes that we can all do this together and get along together. That’s our spirit and intent as we go into this.”
There will be no charge for vendors to peddle their wares, so the organizers are currently looking for local business sponsors to help cover the costs of things like insurance and marketing.
Weldon said by not asking sellers for vendor fees, the hope is that they’ll find the market a more profitable opportunity. Weldon said she and the other organizers are planning to work together with the Community Garden for Greater Ennis and their market (formerly known as the Jeffers Garden Market), since the two will be held at the same time. “They’re really just around the corner, so we want folks that come to this market to know about the one in Jeffers as well,” said Weldon, noting that Twin Bridges also holds their market on Saturday mornings and Twin could be another stop on market-goers’ Saturday shopping ventures.
Vendors are now being sought for the Ennis market. Anyone interested in participating can email ennismtfarmersmarket@gmail.com – the organizers will then send a vendor registration packet. Side note – don’t forget the MT in the email – a message sent to ennisfarmersmarket@gmail.com will find its way to the market in Ennis, Ireland.
The Ennis Montana Farmers Market will be held May 1 – October 16, 2021 from 9 a.m. to noon in Lions Club Park.
Follow Ennis Montana Farmers Market on Facebook for updates. As market dates get closer the unique items slated for sale will be listed so shoppers have an idea of what they can find on any given week.