THE HISTORY BEHIND THE MARKET

          In spring of 1986, the first Kootenai County Farmers' Market opened on Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  Saturday morning traffic was blocked off between 3rd and 4th streets and a small group of local growers set up tables and sold fresh produce, flowers and plants.  There were 25 vendors from the area offering various items including wood burl crafts, potpourri and carrots.  Some of these early vendors are still with the Market today -  Brian Howard of Mountain View Farm, Paul and Ellen of Killarney Farms, and Cindy dePaulis of Lavender Frog.  The originator of this first Market as Jana Tritto, who had managed a market on the west coast of Washington.  She served as manager that first year.

            In 1987, the group moved to an empty lot on the corner of Government Way and Dalton Avenue.  The dry, gravelly location proved difficult for customers and vendors alike.  That year held the least Market Members; with 8 season pass holders and 17 members.   Despite the hardships, by this time it was obvious that the Market was here to stay and Brian Howard became Market Manager.  That year the Market ran from June 6th to September 26th.  Brian held the Market Manager position until 1994.

            The following year the Market moved to a much more satisfactory location, next to the old Ekness Meat Company on the corner of Highway 95 and Dalton Ave.  The shade of the tall pines and nearby restrooms was a huge improvement for everybody.

            By 1991 the Market membership had grown to 40.  Crafts, produce, flowers and plants were abundant, fresh and sought after.  The Farmers' Market was rapidly outgrowing it's space.  Therefore, when Ekness Meats closed and the land sold, the search was on to find a new home.

            In 1995 the Market moved to its present location on the corner of Prairie Ave. and Highway 95 in Hayden, Idaho.  Thanks to the generosity and community spirit of Judy and Steve Meyer of Parkwood Properties, we are able to lease our current wonderful location with plenty of shade, parking and convenient facilities.  Pam Kleinbeck took on the job of Market Manager at this time. 

          The Market has grown and thrived in it's new spot.  In 1997, the Market was in its 12th year, boasting 50 members, 43 season pass holders and an estimated 250 day pass holders throughout the season.  Pam Kleinbeck was claimed by cancer mid season and Dalene Travers stepped in to help, staying with us for several more years.  Tina Pinzotti, then Ali Hakala have been manager since.  Currently we are enjoying Gail Cassidy as manager, who will be entering her fourth year with us.  Sharing her duties this year will be Anissa Duwaik as the downtown market manager. 

            Every year the membership grows and changes.  Our Wednesday Market, which is (as of 2006) held downtown Coeur d'Alene on 5th St between Sherman and Front., features live entertainment and grows a little every year.  It seems we have come full circle as the first market was held  on Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d'Alene.  The Wednesday Market offers the community a mid-week opportunity to buy fresh from the farmer.

          Every year new events are planned to expand the experience of every customer.   The biggest and newest event to be added is the  The Feast with the Farmers.  The entire meal is prepared with products from the market and local suppliers and served under the trees on a hot summer evening.  Due to overwhelming success, The Feast will become a yearly tradition to be held in August.

             Each year, approximately 200 combined hours are put into the market site, starting 2 weeks prior to opening day.  Spaces are measured and marked, tables and stage are moved into place, everything gets a new coat of paint, and the grounds are groomed.  Inventory is taken on old that needs to go and what's new that needs to be built.  Two work party days are planned to do this in and it is required that any and all participants come down and help.  Volunteers are welcomed!  This year the work parties are April ? and April ? from 9:00 - whenever the work gets done.  If the weather cooperates and the work all gets done at the first party, the second is not needed.  The more hands the sooner we can go home.