Farmers Market plants roots on Wednesdays

But you can still find fresh vegetables, fruit, art, handmade soaps and more at the Wednesday markets, held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Geiser-Pollman Park.

Rather than spread a few vendors over two markets, the board decided to consolidate all into one market.

They tried to keep Saturdays.

“We advertised for five weeks for vendors,” said Ellie Feeley, market manager.

But no one responded.

Their plan is to make the Wednesday market an event, with lots of vendors, live music and special events throughout the summer, including the annual watermelon giveaway, a salsa festival, a pie contest and a harvest festival to end the season.

So far there are three full-time produce vendors, and one full-time vendor selling goat milk soaps.

The vegetables are a bit slow in the coming this summer.

“Hardly anyone has anything because of the weather,” Feeley said.

But cool weather is good for some crops, and this week’s market featured a variety of greens, beets and carrots. Each week should bring more produce.

As the season progresses, Feeley hopes more vendors will come set up a table to sell their wares, from vegetables to pottery to anything else made or grown locally. The cost to “drop in” is $15 for a full space or $12 for a half space.

The market will continue through the end of September.

Also, Feeley is asking musicians interested in playing at the market to give her a call at 541-523-9530.