Whitefish Farmers Market returns for the summer

A staple of summer returns Tuesday, May 28 with the first Whitefish Farmers Market of the season.

The market runs on Tuesdays during the summer from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the north end of Central Avenue at Depot Park. The market continues through the end of September, and a Harvest Market finishes the season on Oct. 15 from 4-6 p.m.

Rhonda Fitzgerald, market organizer, says she’s excited about the mix of vendors signed up this year. About 115 vendors on average are expected at the market throughout the season.

“We’re expecting more farmers with a wider variety of crops this year,” she said. “We have more farmers, more prepared food vendors, and great arts and crafts vendors.”

Dogs will no longer be allowed at the market. Though historically owners often have brought dogs to Depot Park during market, city ordinance actually says “No owner, keeper, attendant or harborer of any dog, cattle, horses, mules, swine, sheep, goats, fowl or like animal shall allow or permit any such animal in or upon any public park within the City during any organized athletic event, or special event” except for service animals such as “seeing eye dogs or dogs for the hearing impaired.” An exception to the ordinance is the WAG dog park.

For the past 15 years, the market has provided for visitors and residents alike access to locally grown, farm fresh products. In addition, there is a large collection of Montana made arts and crafts, and a variety of food trucks. Evenings also feature live music during the market sponsored by local businesses.

Construction around Depot Park by the City of Whitefish this spring and fall should have minimal impact on the market itself, though Fitzgerald cautioned that it could impact how folks get to the market.

This spring Railway Street is one-lane, one-way traffic eastbound on Railway Street between Spokane Avenue and Central Avenue. Pedestrian traffic and on street parking will be allowed on the south side of Railway, but not on the north side of the street during construction.

Farm Hands Nourish the Flathead runs several food access programs through the market, including Double SNAP Dollars up to $20 each week and Senior Coupons for those age 62 and older to get access to free produce. In addition, Farm Hands provides a $5 market coin to school age children.

The Whitefish Farmers Market is sponsored by the Heart of Whitefish downtown organization.

For more information, visit the Whitefish Farmers’ Market website https://whitefishfarmersmarket.org