Lincoln Farmer's Market to return every Saturday this summer

The Farmers Market is slated to return to Lincoln beginning the first weekend in June, with plans to run each Saturday, June 6 until September 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

Previously held in Hooper Park and by the Envision Lincoln's Health and Wellness team, the market will now be held in the Montana Heritage House on Sucker Creek and managed by Jason and Tiana Valler.

Without adequate time and resources to commit to the Farmers market, the team reached out to the Vallers, who agreed to take it on personally to help benefit the community.

Originally, the Farmers Market received donations from the Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce and their fiscal sponsor, the Lincoln Council for the Arts. Both organizations agreed that the remaining monies in the Farmer's Market account could be used to purchase awnings and tables for a new "Community Booth," which will be available to local organizations and individuals in the community at no cost.

"We hope this will help organizations to have their fundraising items available for sale and to raise awareness about what they do and give community residents an opportunity to sell eggs and extra produce from their gardens as well," Tiana said. The community booth will need to be reserved by contacting the Vallers.

By holding the market on Saturdays and with later start and end times, they hope to attract folks from out of town, and throughout the day. They are also hoping to feature more food booths that include fruits, vegetables, honey, dry and fresh goods.

One of the struggles the market faced last year was difficulty in having produce available. This year, the Vallers have committed to ensuring there will be produce available. As June approaches, they are moving forward with contacting and securing vendors. Ten-by-ten booth spots will be available at a rate of $20 a week. There will be a discount to vendors who book and pay for all Saturdays in June, July and August. The funds raised by booth rentals will be used to keep the market going.

The Vallers will be following county health department guidelines for running the Farmer's Market, and will take the extra precautions necessary for COVID-19. They will have a washing station available and encourage attendees to maintain social distancing, as advised by the state. Home-baked goods, jams, jellies, breads and other items can also be sold at the market, but will require food exemptions from Lewis & Clark Public Health. The form can be found at https://www.lccountymt.gov/health/licensing-inspections/food-facilities.html. If anyone has questions about the form or needs some help with it, they can call Tiana and she will be happy to help.

While shopping at the Farmer's Market, visitors can also stop into the Montana Heritage House to get a cup of coffee, browse the artisan gallery, featuring local artist's work, and check out the new homestead feed shop.

The Vallers are exploring additional events that may also be held in conjunction with the Farmer's Market, including muscle car displays through something like Coffee and Cars, an international organization that combines the arts of American made muscle cars and coffee brewing, as well as the possible launching point for those with horses to go on trail rides.

More information will be released as these events are planned. Anyone interested in such events, reserving a booth space or reserving the community booth should contact the Vallers at 406-362-4444.