May 2008 Hall of Fame
Year-Round Home for the Lane County Farmers’ Market
Year-Round Home for the Lane County Farmers’ Market
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Q1: Finding a location that meets the needs of the community and the farmers. There is a lot of focus on locating the project in downtown Eugene and there are also ideas for having it at the Lane County Fair Grounds. Both locations have their pros and cons.
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by jmbmommy05.30.08 | 09:55 AMI think at all costs you should try to keep it near downtown. The fairgrounds is extremely mired in politics with the county...I think you should woo the city to get the big pit across from the library. I love the idea!!!
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by Wetrocker05.30.08 | 06:09 AMI love this idea. I sell at the farmers market. I dream of the year round facility. Any site we choose needs lots of free and easy parking for vendors and the public. I see no current downtown site that offers this. We should have a site where the outdoor vendors are visible from very busy street(s). The Fairgrounds does not seem to offer that option. A site visible from I-5 (interstate) would really be nice in many ways. Glenwood might have a site? This is such a tough issue to deal with it has crippled every effort to do this idea. Having the Saturday Market move with the Farmer's Market would fix some problems with a new site. I really think the main F M needs to move somewhere. I am divided on whether we should do a new location and the old one too. Thanks Erin and others for your efforts to help our community get this year-round market idea energized!!
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by mintyminions05.28.08 | 03:43 PMDOWNTOWN! It is easier for the general public to get to the downtown area, particularly by bus. Fairgrounds is out of the way. I've lived in Eugene for 7 years and only been to the Fairgrounds market ONCE, whereas the Tuesday and Saturday Markets I visit regularly.
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by danarmstrong05.16.08 | 04:50 PMThe Lane County Fairgrounds is likely to be the best location. It is centrally located and has tons of easy access parking. The bus line has a stop right there. The bike path runs along the back of the fairgrounds campus. The County already owns the property and is seeking ways to improve the fairgrounds site. A successful market could provide funds to save the Oregon State University Extension Service, which is about to lose funding, and add income to fairgrouds repair and maintenance. The fairgrounds is already a urban to farm connection and a farmers market would fit right in and could even happen in the next two years.
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
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by marystevie05.31.08 | 07:10 PMWhy not the area that Mayor Kitty was going to build that organic store on? Over by ferry Street bridge? That woudl be perfect location. You could ahve a covered area and there would be room for many vendors. And it woudl be close enough so that when the Saturday market was going people could still go to both!!
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by kemtri9805.31.08 | 12:07 PMHow about filling in one of the giant holes downtown and put the market there? The pit across from the library would be ideal - right next to central bus station.
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by Wetrocker05.31.08 | 06:22 AMI want to be clear that the parking for farmers needs to be a type where you can pull a vehicle (and trailer?) into the back of the booth and park it for the day. This makes the site the market needs much larger (than the pit by the library?). Size for future growth needs to be planned in as well. Also, if the fairgrounds was chosen, the market would need to be insulated from encroachment by other events so they could work together (synergy) and the Mkt could be regular and reliable. I'm not sure the fairgrounds is large enough for it's events and the market? Maybe land would need to be found nextdoor?
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by Wetrocker05.31.08 | 06:22 AMI want to be clear that the parking for farmers needs to be a type where you can pull a vehicle (and trailer?) into the back of the booth and park it for the day. This makes the site the market needs much larger (than the pit by the library?). Size for future growth needs to be planned in as well. Also, if the fairgrounds was chosen, the market would need to be insulated from encroachment by other events so they could work together (synergy) and the Mkt could be regular and reliable. I'm not sure the fairgrounds is large enough for it's events and the market? Maybe land would need to be found nextdoor?
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by fiorastar05.29.08 | 06:41 PMI see a lot of comments about putting it at the Fairgrounds. While this might be something to consider as a separate project, the synergy and the need is at the downtown location where the Farmer's Market has been connected with Saturday Market for so many years. We NEED to bring people downtown, and it would be a great way to support those who work and live there.
The Fairgrounds is a place for things like this to go and die, frankly. Yes, it is big and has parking, but it's PROBLEMS are that it is big and has parking. It feels like a convention, not a friendly farmer's market. Because events held at the Fairgrounds would need to work around the farmer's market, I doubt it would be as regular, and anything that goes on there becomes instantly "invisible" to anyone who doesn't already intend to go there. In all the years of living in Eugene, I've never attended the flea market there, though I used to love going to the Ashby flea market in Berkeley when I lived down there--the difference? One was outside, with a festival atmosphere and attracted my atten…moretion every weekend, where the other is inside a big hall and I just don't find myself drawn to it.
AND we would love to encourage non-car methods of arriving there.
Besides, there are TWO city parking lots near the site being proposed. Perhaps a way for farmer's to validate parking downtown would be good.
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05.29.08 | 02:15 PMFairgrounds not accessible? Don't make me laugh. If you consider downtown more accessible than the fairgrounds, you need to get a bike and start riding. It's a five minute ride. Don't forget, Eugene is bigger than just the downtown area. Plus, you don't have to deal with developers trying to move you out so they can move in some chain store. Fairgrounds works for me!
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by erinely05.27.08 | 01:04 PMHi Kathleen,
the model is based in the Santa Fe's Farmers market, you can go to their website and read about their project that is happening right now. You are right about increased costs to farmers market vendors.
The way to offset this is by having a building with leaseable office space and the local foods dinner, they are the tenants that anchor the building. This is what keeps the price down for the vendors, without the anchors for the building you are correct it would increase the vendor cost.
In regards to the location, this is the biggest issue that is keeping the community from moving forward.
I am hoping people will keep an open mind about the project and not determine their support based on the location before we have had the community dialog, which is what the money will be used for.
What we are proposing is an expansion of the existing farmers market, this not an either or choice. That's what we need to get people to understand about the project.
To facilitate the community dialog around these is…moresues, create a design sherette (sp?), do some surveys and really work out the details in a way that the project works for the community as a whole, with all stakeholders being part of the discussion.
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05.27.08 | 12:33 PMNot being local, I can't comment on location. My first thought was concern that the investments in infrastructure would then assign higher costs to vendors; some of whom may not be able to afford the higher fees.
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05.24.08 | 01:11 PMAs a person that sells at the Saturday Market at least 2 weekends a month, I would be concerned for the health of the Saturday Market if the Farmer's Mkt. left it's present location! I realize that they are separate entities and what may be good for the Farmer's Market may not be good for the Saturday Market. If they could both find a suitable marketplace that were conducive to revitalizing the downtown, this project would surely be a WINNER. I LOVE THE IDEA OF AN OPEN AIR AND COVERED MARKETPLACE. If there could be a way that some heat could be supplied to the vendors in the winter....that would make for a lot of happy vendors. Good luck on this project.
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by erinely05.24.08 | 12:04 AMIt seems to me the most polarizing part of this project seems to be the location. I believe the intention behind the project is to bring the community together with an expanded vision of what the Farmers Market can be for us.
This does not have to be an either or proposition as local food farmers markets can occur in several different locations at the same time. I hope everyone will keep an open mind about the intention behind the project and vote in favor of winning the money so that we can really create the dialog to move us forward.
There is nothing more essential to a thriving community than a safe, sustainable local food source. Every community should have this. With global climate issues, peak-oil, etc, etc. It is imperative that we start planning now to create a long-term safe, local, sustainable food supply for our community. I believe what we are talking about here is an expansion of what the Farmers Market is all about.
We can make this a positive and plausible project that will benefit all parties concerned. The money from the cont…moreest can be used to really do all the research and collect the information that is needed to bring the project forward in a successful way for the whole community. I believe we can do this, the time is ripe.
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by ArchiBish05.21.08 | 06:02 PMA number of design studios at the University of Oregon school of architecture have investigated farmers markets over the years. You might consider calling department and asking for more information.
The Fairgrounds makes some sense although closer to downtown (like in the hole-in-the-ground across from the library) seems to make more sense. There is little commerce neighboring the Fair Grounds. There is a major transit hub in downtown Eugene. If you want drop-in shoppers the market should be near year-round foot traffic. A downtown locale would also be located close to the historic farmers market site just one block north of the pit... if I'm not mistaken.
Finally, the city is looking into redesigning its city hall. The new design could be tweaked to provide a home to a year-round farmers market.
Warning: The City of Vancouver Washington attempted a year-round farmers market but it never managed to get off the ground despite being next to the prosperous Esther Short Park. An investigation of other Pacific Northwest farmers markets could shed s…moreome light on how to make Eugene's own year-round market a success.
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by Penhallegon05.21.08 | 04:14 PMThe regional farmers market at the fairgrounds provides an opportuntity to feed a minimum of 10,000 people, there is pleanty of parking, on a bus line, within walking distance of many neighborhoods and provide fresh, lcoal food.
To give a little more information - the FM would hold 350 stalls, covered and lighted. Step 2 would have a certificed kitchen for those who wanted to preserve food. In cooperation with the Extension Service, teaching people how to grow, cook and preserve food.
The market has the ability to be BETTER than Pike Street. We have the fish, the crab, plus 120 different crops., alll sorts of process products, plus various meat products.
If we want to help move Lane County into self sufficency and sustainability, and keep the money dollars close by - the regional FM is the first step.
Tis concept is sustainable, feasible and econommically sound.
Ross Penhallegon
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by sarahma05.21.08 | 09:38 AMI agree that the Fairgrounds make the most sense. I understand about revitalizing Downtown but it is hard to get to and hard to find a place to park. That is one reason I've stopped going to the Saturday Market.
Good idea Erin, I hope your idea takes flight.
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by katyaa
05.20.08 | 09:02 AMWhat a great idea. An interesting model to investigate is Atlanta's permanent famer's market, which has had incredible success for years - even before the movement to organic goods. They aren't downtown - I think it was probably a cost issue as well as an audience - they went to where their market was geographically focused. Location needs to follow business model. Here's their info: http://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com/
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by tiakim105.19.08 | 02:29 PMI like the Lane County Fairgrounds idea. I think a feasibility plan and a business plan first would help to identify how to walk the path and the right location should come out of a sound business and marketing plan - only after it is proven that a year round market is feasible and financially viable.
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by dhebert05.19.08 | 02:03 PMRevitalize the fairgrounds! A permanent location would benefit many. It is close to downtown, it is walkable from downtown, Lane Transit buses stop there, farmers have easier access than downtown and there is parking. There are several large building in need of refurbishing. The close proximity to the OSU Extension Service would benefit as well . It's a win/win./win
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by oregoncoast05.19.08 | 12:30 PMI'm all for downtown revitalization. Plus, a downtown location could add an "old world, European feel" which is very enticing. Or, just think of Seattle's Pike Place Market.
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05.19.08 | 12:16 PMSorry about that. I accidentally cut off part of my post and then went off to do chores. :)
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05.19.08 | 12:14 PMSupporting LOCAL is the key to surviving the next several years, perhaps many years. There are many studies being done in the cities that show how areas that seem like they would have easy access to food, actually are more than 30 miles away from anything that is a "real meal". There are things like snack foods, tv dinners, beer, etc. however, there are no fresh foods, etc. These areas would benefit from small, locally supported, Farmer's Markets, that have a permanent, year-around structure similar to what you are seeking.
There is a similar model located in Olympia Washington at the Port, making it a perfect location for exporting the local produce as well as incorporating the bounty of the local fisherman as well.
Another aspect that may be considered is a co-operative, to purchase things that the growers cannot produce, while still supporting producers within a certain range of your area. This allows
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by MacMaven05.18.08 | 10:58 PMCreating a year round Farmer's Market at the Lane County Fairgrounds is totally in line with a sustainable Eugene vision! We eat food from around the world-but, if it is grown right here and sold right here, we save carbon when we eat strawberries grown in Eugene, we help employ our neighbors, we keep the fairgrounds occupied and active. A fabulous connection would be partnering up with the OSU Extension-a great opportunity to offer education, classes, and hands on experience for community members who might want to grow their own food. fabulous!
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by djs01305.18.08 | 08:56 AMThe Lane County Fairgrounds location makes a lot of sense. Proximity to the OSU Extension Service and its educational programming would be a plus!
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05.17.08 | 12:49 PMLocating the Farmers' Market, as Dan has mentioned, at the Fairgrounds is the perfect idea! If we do it, they will come....
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by babagaga05.16.08 | 11:32 AMi like the downtown location: obviously central, and it needs the life a market can provide, and there is a lot of focus and energy on revitalizing downtown, so support will be easier. the fairgrounds feels a bit removed to me.
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by Liz_Howard05.15.08 | 01:14 PMI hope you have connected with the Energy Village Group in Downtown Eugene. Meetings were at The Davis in Eugene for many weeks in a row. It was a downtown revitalization committee and we are submitting a proposal for the end of May.
contact: Liz howard at 515-9162. Good luck Erin
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by duckling05.15.08 | 12:03 PMThere are other similiar ideas already posted. You should seek them out and ask them what they have done to promote their Farmer's Market.
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05.15.08 | 10:05 AMGood luck with your idea. Here are a couple of articles about the benefits of farmer's markets that may be good resources as you try to influence people about the benefits of your local initiative:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/the-farmers-market-effect/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/05/AR2006110500887.html
This article suggests that local restaurants may be a good ally for your cause:
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070708/NEWS/707080338
Finally, this group could probably help you muster some votes.
http://www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/
Hope this helps.
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by br116805.15.08 | 08:42 AMLocation would certainly be key for this venture, I personally feel that farmers markets do best in downtown destinations. One recommendation that you may not have considered that I'm starting to see at a lot of farmers markets is having local wineries located inside the market. Certainly helps attract people and provides a great venue for people to try local wine samples. Good luck!
Idea Description
Design and draft a business plan for a permanent indoor/outdoor structure for the Lane County Farmers’ Market.
The market can trace it’s beginnings back to 1915, and today is comprised of nearly 160 growers and producers.
A permanent location would allow the Market to operate year-round to stabilize and increase its customer base. The ideal site will include a community kitchen, open market hall for year round indoor sales, outdoor vendor area, Farmers Diner , offices for the Farmer's Market and other local food and agriculture organizations, and leaseable office space.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
There is already a lot of support for this project in my community. People have been discussing it for years. I am working closely with the Lane County Farmers Market and the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition
Now is the time to move the project forward starting with facilitated meetings with all stakeholders, a feasibility study and business plan to make the plan a reality. Then fundraising to create the facility.
My idea is based on the Santa Fe Farmers Market
I know there is enough support to bring this idea forward in our community, we just need to get it started
You like it. You’re confused by it. You want to know more. Ask questions and post comments here.
Post a commentDid you get it off the ground?I think this idea will do some if my idea for a federally funded venture capital carrot fund succeeds my idea may be able to help you fund your idea check out my idea and vote for it if you think it has merit http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/4060-Fund-your -idea.com sincerely Frank Scruggs
thanks for the comment greatly appreciated. Erin
Localized food is always a great thing to push. I respect the idea and hope that people in my area will be more open to the idea someday. If you need some extra cash for the idea this site is giving out 1000 dollars to an environment program...its not as much as you could hope for but still it could be the necessary catalyst http://www.natnalex.com/prizes/
Great idea
There are numerous examples of local markets based around life waters of the community, such as Seattle Farmer's Market, Olympia Farmer's Market and the Portland's Farmer Market to name a few. The Willamette River is the Heart of our community as is healthy locally grown food. Loretta Huston
I know this is more long term thinking, but it would be ideal to have our local farmers market located by the River. Would Alton Baker Park allow some space for a farmer's market? There's also the potential of EWEB property once they've relocated. There is also near the river in that giant overly paved parking lot of Valley River Shopping Center. People can bike over the bridge or take bus or drive. Unfortunately Eugene Downtown is very limited with parking and congestion of traffic and the fairgrounds is gray and sterile. The river is the most lively place to meet and market local organic food. Why not? Loretta Huston
Year-round Farmer's Markets are BRILLIANT!!! I hope this idea is a WIN!!!
It's time we had a year round farmer's market. We eat year around, why not buy local year around... at least what is available locally?
Like everyone else, when you leave out the siting and competition concerns that have been raised, this is a fantastic idea. even when you include them its a fantastic idea, because it will put the ball in the court and we'll have to answer the questions that have been raised. i look forward to the conversation, not to mention more local food on my plate. good work, erin
I love the idea and think the voters in Eugene (and maybe Lane County) would pass a bond measure to fund this idea. We just need a great plan on where and how to do it. Thanks to all who are trying to come up with a plan!!!
Whew! Heard about this great idea just in time! This is a wonderful idea and it would be great to make this happen!
Erin, thanks for your passionate and tireless work towards good in our community and our world. A year 'round farmer's market is a great idea and I can't wait to shop there. Good luck!
Good luck with your idea! Elizabeth (Sweet Potato Pie) sent me the link to help you in your voting venture! I've not been to Eugene, but hope to visit at some point! Here is a link to the Downtown Farmer's Market that is located in Roanoke, VA. http://www.downtownroanoke.org/market.htm Good luck!
I live in downtown Eugene, and I think a great way to keep local produce and support local farmers in business all year round is to support an all year round for the farmers market.
Yes, I completely agree, I would hate to lose the outdoor market. The idea is based on the project in Santa Fe, you can view their site: http://www.santafefarmersmarket.com/institute/future/ their building is a combination "indoor"/"outdoor" project with covered open space with skylights for the winter and additional outdoor space for the summer. Look at their artists drawings of the building and area it is way cool! thanks for all the comments! Erin
I think this is a super idea for Lane County and Eugene. I would love to hear from the local farmers and proprietors of the booths that would be involved. I remember when this issue was brought up before there was some concern that it wouldn't be feasible from the producer's end of things. If the majority of them are behind it I will be the first one in the door every week! My preference would be, if we did move it to an indoor location year round, to have open-air access such as removable walls or something else that would mimic the outdoor model we currently have. Our weather in the summer is often too nice to want to go inside - we should keep this in mind as a possibility at least. I understand it might not be fiscally feasible, but still - open air markets like ours are special for th…moreat reason as well!
I think this is a super idea for Lane County and Eugene. I would love to hear from the local farmers and proprietors of the booths that would be involved. I remember when this issue was brought up before there was some concern that it wouldn't be feasible from the producer's end of things. If the majority of them are behind it I will be the first one in the door every week! My preference would be, if we did move it to an indoor location year round, to have open-air access such as removable walls or something else that would mimic the outdoor model we currently have. Our weather in the summer is often too nice to want to go inside - we should keep this in mind as a possibility at least. I understand it might not be fiscally feasible, but still - open air markets like ours are special for th…moreat reason as well!
Fantastic Idea!! So many reasons to fund a Year-Round Farmer's Market in Eugene. Here are a few reasons I came up with: Financial support for local farmers, support for organic and sustainable growing methods, heathful produce and meats for families and adults with Oregon Trail cards/accounts, educational opportunities for adults and children to learn and try growing organic produce/herbs at home. Also, it is so fun and relaxing to wander amongst the organic herb and vegetable starts, baskets of seasonal fruits and interesting ornamental gourds. I always meet old and new friends at the Saturday Market.
Plus it would be fun!! and bring people into downtown Eugene. I am hoping one of the ideas floated will be to incorporate the Saturday market vendors and the growers similar to Pike's Market in Seattle which is well attended year round. The size of the space should give access to more vendors and make it easier to get around-Farmers Saturday market is difficult now when it's busy to make a purchase and keep moving.
Great idea. It would probably be good to shut down the indoor market on Saturdays so that participants can do the traditional outdoor at the park blocks. I like the Fairgrounds as a location. It has a long and time-honored connection with local agriculture. It is also close enough to downtown that it would make an easy combined trip. Perhaps once the market is established we could persuade LTD to add another Breeze route from the Transit Center to the Fairgrounds, to make easy shopping for elders, young, and those who seek to live without cars.
peak oil, climate change, sustainability-- whatever your issue we need to get local soon and local in a big way. i think this will really help. -tj
This is an excellent idea in part because it fosters and puts to work the ideal of sustainable agriculture and helps to integrate the natural and social ecologies of the citizens of Lane County. A robust step toward a more sustainable society.
Hey, what a great idea. I've heard about this problem for Eugene. I have been to the Farmers Market myself. I live in Myrtle Point, Oregon. I'll tell my friends about it and get them to vote for you. I'm going to enter in June hoping to get funds for my business.
It's really great idea. Local farmers, Locally grown, support farmers. great idea, keep it up.
This is a very good idea, it would not only help support the 160 local growers and producers but it is incredibly valuable to the community. I love going there to get fresh produce or any of the other great items there. A permanent spot year round would be so good for everyone. Hard not to vote for this idea.
LosAngeles has one down town in the middle of the city and the parking is within the same building for a fee of $5.00. this place is so awsome it's always full of people but surprisinly easy to walk around in and the vendors sell all kinds of produce and foods including icecream, pizza, fresh fish. the seating system works very well for a place with so many people coming in and out for lunch, shopping or just browsing L.A. Wilshire Center Farmers Market S Mariposa at Wilshire Los Angeles, CA 90005 (818) 402-6233
sorry for the typo o that would be.... thanks for your support... Erin
Hi, Points well taken there is no doubt that there is synergy behind the colocation of Saturday Market and Farmers Market. That's why it is important to get the money to bring all the stakeholders together so that we can devise a plan that will work for the majority of community. We can work together on this, it can be a win, win situation. I am not dedicated to any site location until we hear from the stakeholders on what they envision what will be the best situation for them. I'm keeping an open mind about the location. That's why I feel it's so important to get this money so we have the resources to start to move the dialog forward in a positive and fruitful way. Thanks for your supoprt. Erin
Co locating with the Saturday Market is an almost 40-year tradition and it is one of the most important considerations to me. The two Markets complement each other and make a lively downtown scene that is incomparable. The Fairgrounds would not attract the same energy. The present location would be perfect if the parking lot were turned into a structure and the two Park Streets closed off on Saturdays. Let's keep this option in play, too. Getting the process in motion is a terrific plan, Erin.
I'm all for it! Our community has been discussing this and hoping that it would become reality. Now is the time!
Food, food, GLORIOUS locally grown food! Grown by local farmers, sold locally, supporting families locally! That's what I'm talkin' about! Go Erin! Let's reduce our food shopping carbon food print and get this year round Farmer's Market open to the public! Eric Myers, of Cascadia Longboards.has a map that fills his wall placing the year round Farmer's Market in our fairgrounds. I LOVE the idea-totally accessible, on the bus line, easy in and out, tons of useful space. You go Erin! Make everyone's dreams come true for a year round Farmer's Market. Make the food we eat accessible!!! lorraine
Yes yes yes! I am so excited at the possibility of a year-round farmers market. There would be enormous support for it. Mmmm, I can already taste it!
Erin has a great idea that is much needed by the community so that we can achieve our goals of becoming a sustainable city that supports the work and products of our local farmers. Eugene is rainy enough were the year-round, sometimes indoor arena is needed to make this sucessful! Thanks Erin for your vision and leadership on this!
I fully support Erin's idea for a year round Farmer's Market for Eugene area food buyers. Many are talking about this --- as Erin says citing and a business plan will help launch it into reality!
yes, great idea, i hope it will flourish. we need to deepen our connection to our food sources, and Nature.
This is a great idea. Adding a year-round market to Eugene would be a big first step toward strengthening the local agricultural economy--and for making it easier to get fresh produce.