July is “Make my market happen” month
What if you didn’t have your favorite farmers market to go to this Saturday or Sunday morning or Wednesday night? What if instead of a bustling market where you can run into your neighbors amidst healthy food, local crafts and music you found an empty parking lot?
It’s a little dramatic to imagine the markets not being there, but the point is a lot that goes into making the Kingfield, Fulton and Nokomis markets happen each week. In fact, it takes two full-time and one part-time staff along with an army of volunteers to pull it off. There are costs for tables, tents, printing, insurance, permits, weekly entertainment, electricity, and salaries for our small but dedicated staff (which we're proud to say includes health care coverage).
You may be surprised that vendor fees only cover about 40% of what it costs to operate the markets.
We keep vendor fees low to help nurture and support these local farmers and entrepreneurs. You may be surprised that vendor fees only cover about 40% of what it costs to operate the markets. Beyond that, we rely on sponsorship from local businesses and donations from individuals. July is when we’re asking the community to step up and help make the markets happen.
Three ways to support the markets this month!
Buy a raffle ticket at the market -- One ticket for $5 or five tickets for $20. Prizes include a Opus Zermatt bike donated by Farmstead Bike Shop and a Weber Grill donated by Nicollet Ace Hardware, and a market basket filled with products sold at our markets.
Attend the “Neighborhood Rootenanny” the evening of July 30th -- Tickets are $10 and will be available for purchase at all our markets and online.
Simply donate to the markets -- Make a donation here if you simply like going to the markets and want them to continue.
Our goal in July is to reach a goal of $5,000 in fundraising. It’s up to you to make the market happen and your financial support is greatly appreciated.
See you at the market!