COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — For the 39th summer, The Kootenai Farmers’ Market is connecting local producers with the local community.
The farmers’ market offers various unique and locally sourced food and crafts made by small businesses and farms. It has two locations, a Saturday market on southeast Corner Highway 95 & Prairie Avenue in Hayden from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and a Wednesday market on Main Street, Riverstone, Coeur d’Alene from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“I think there are a lot of things that have brought our farmers’ market together. I look forward to seeing my farmers market neighborhood,” said Andria Howes. “The community needs this place to disconnect and enjoy some fresh air.”
Andria Howes has been a vendor for 11 seasons with her mom. They sell baked goods from their business, Lake City Bakers. Howes is also a board member and helps coordinate events and farm inspections to ensure all products being sold are locally made or grown.
“The market is my home away from home, and I am so excited to start the season on Saturday,” said Howes.
The Kootenai Farmers’ Market is made up of all family-operated businesses, with the majority from Kootenai County.
Both locations of the Kootenai Farmers’ Market host most vendors without a storefront. The market serves about 140 local businesses every week.
“We give preference to Kootenai County as far as vendors go,” said Howes.
Some vendors who have specialty items come from outside the county, such as Otis Orchards, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho.
The farmers’ market acts as a space for these small businesses to sell their products and boost the idea of buying fresh and healthy products that go directly from farm to table.
Most customers that the Farmers’ market sees are locals who buy the vendor’s food.
“What’s beautiful about this setup is that the producers are there to tell you exactly what is in it. You can ask questions,” said Howes.
Most booths sell produce such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, and flowers. Other booths sell handmade products like baked goods, sauces, or handcrafted items.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, the market attracts people of all generations. No matter the age, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Kootenai Farmers’ Market caters to families with young children with their POP (Power of Produce) Club, which takes place on Saturdays. There are free activities for kids that teach them where their food comes from. With this activity, they get a $2 token to spend at the market.
This event starts the first weekend of June and goes through Labor Day weekend.
Kids also have a chance to sell their products. Kids can register their craft booth at the Hayden location on Wednesday, July 24, at Riverstone and August 24. Applications are available at the managers’ booth if your child wants to participate.
Kootenai Farmers’ Market is accessible to everyone. According to Howes, the market gladly accepts EBT/SNAP Food Stamp benefits. EBT cards can be swiped at the manager’s booth and exchanged for tokens to be spent at eligible market booths. They have a program called Double Up Bucks that doubles the first 10 dollars spent at the market by giving an additional $10 token on fruits, vegetables, or food-bearing plants. The program aims to increase access to fresh, locally grown food for those in need.
People can learn more about the products, vendors, market specials, weekly entertainment and special events by signing up for the Kootenai Farmers’ Market weekly Fresh Sheet.
