Meet the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market:
Ours is one of the oldest farmers' markets in the state of Idaho. We have expanded our range of offerings and market hours over the years.
Our market was started in in 1980 as the Boundary County Farmers Market with the help of our County Extension Agent, Ben Studer. The original site (at the fairgrounds) was fiercely windy and hard to find, and in a few years we moved to our location in the city parking lot which is more convenient for customers and vendors alike. The beautiful Bonners Ferry area is scenic and in the summer many many tourists stop through the market for a taste of local color.
We have grown from a few hardy souls selling produce and bare-root plants to an average of nearly 30 vendors per market day with everything from salad mix, herbal vinegars and spices to handmade soaps, handspun yarn, basketry and lawn furniture. Many local small businesses have goten their "training wheels" by participating in our market.
In 2004 we added a Holiday Market in November showcasing holiday gifts, winter produce, and local artisans. This was such a success we have added it to our yearly calendar.
Market Goals and Mission
To promote and support local farmers and artisans to build a more
sustainable community.
To give local growers and producers of farm-related products alternative
marketing opportunities.
To promote the sale of locally grown, raised, produced, or gathered farm
products and to provide consumers and local farmers an opportunity to
interact directly with one another.
To add to the variety, quality and freshness of produce available in the
Boundary County area: a wide range of fresh local produce including
specialized items and a good organic range.
To provide opportunities for local farms, food producers and artisans to test
and refine their products and marketing skills. Small rural businesses are
growing up in parallel with the market.
To enhance the quality of life in the Boundary County area by providing a
communityactivity which fosters social gathering and interaction.