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THE BEST OF MOSCOW
Best of Events
Moscow Farmers Market brings a vibrant atmosphere to downtown From a parking lot to “I love getting downtown before learn about every vendor they have downtown, the market 5 a.m. to watch the Market come so they can assure the quality and has grown into a Moscow alive as the world wakes up,” Cody what that vendor or farm is about. Riddle the Community Development “I’ve sold pottery at a lot of staple Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT
Every May through October, Moscow residents and students can find Main Street a bustle of excitement because of the Moscow Farmers Market. The market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has been a staple in Moscow for many years. The market began in 1976 and was founded by the Moscow Food Co-op where it was first held in the current City Hall parking lot, according to Laurra Perrigo the Administrative Specialist for Community Events for the City of Moscow. “Like most iconic events that Moscow has become known for, a small group of folks got together to make it happen, and the party has been going on ever since,” Amanda Argona, the Community Events Manager said. In 2012, the city took over the market and expanded it onto Main Street. Argona hopes that the market will be recognized as one of the top five farmers markets in the United States and she hopes to see this goal in her time as manager.
City Supervisor wrote in an email. “The energy, enthusiasm and passion is contagious as the morning builds to that opening 8 a.m. bell. You can see pride in market, pride in the university, and pride in the community on full display.” Perrigo shared that a wide variety of people visit the market, including those who wake up early, people who go seeking specific items and those who are there for the food. “The Market is a place where families and the community gather to catch-up, enjoy great music and fill their baskets with the best the Market has to offer,” Perrigo wrote in an email. The market has a youth program they are hoping to expand, called the Power of Produce Club, POP. It is a once-a-month seasonal tasting program and activity for children ages 5 through 12. “I hope to partner with local businesses and organizations to build on the monthly POP Club theme through art, literature, or other creative outlets,” Perrigo wrote. Argona prides the market on its attention to detail for the vendors and the products being sold. All products, especially fresh produce, cannot be resold and must be in season for customers. They also
different venues and [Moscow Farmers Market] has been by far the best,” Pam Spens, a vendor at the market who owns Paradise Creek Pottery, said. “The organizers are excellent and the people who come to the market are so supportive and wonderful.” Riddle appreciates that the market is a safe environment for all. “While the market is planned, managed and operated by two staff members, it is a community effort,” Riddle wrote. “Beyond staff, the vendors themselves take tremendous pride and ownership in seeing the Market succeed. They can be found
helping each other, and staff each and every week.” A focus for the market is to address that downtown Moscow is part of a historic town and isn’t meant to hold events, especially large ones like the market and to find solutions for these issues according to Argona. Visitors from all over enjoy the farmers market from the safe and welcoming community to friendly vendors and quality produce. “Moscow is a special place, with such tremendous community character,” Riddle wrote. “The blend of local residents and the influx of people visiting creates such a vibrant energy that other communities simply can’t replicate.”
John Keegan | Argonaut
Customers shop at a vendor’s stand