Success Stories: Pelican Market
Left: Pelican Market's logo. Image credit: Pelican Market
Above and right: Customers examine and buy products offered at Pelican Market. Image Credit: Local Foods, Local Places.
Connection to Community Action Plan: Goal 1 Thanks to Ryan Pesch and Lily Sugimura, Pelican Rapids was able to get a farmer's market, known as Pelican Market, started in the alley between Seifert Realty and Big John's Pelican Pizza. Lake Region Electric Cooperative funded the market sheds and arch. This was a big boon to the community. Farmers and artisans had the opportunity for a market channel that connected them directly to consumers, and Pelican Rapids residents and visitors had the opportunity to enjoy local foods and crafts. On November 26th, 2021, Pelican Market opened for a special Pop-Up Christmas Market in the three hours before the lighted horse parade began. "It was a huge success and I got to sell a lot of my winter produce," remarked Pesch. Due to the market's success, there is hope that it will continue to grow next summer, as well as hope to include more vendors and host special events in the upcoming years. Accomplishments & Impacts: Access to Farm-To-Table foods Farmers and artisans had the opportunity to sell directly to consumers Consumers had the learning opportunity to discover to where their food comes from 15
