Project for Public Spaces has some great resources on farmer’s markets:
http://www.pps.org/reference/the-benefits-of-public-markets/
February 2018
“Do any Main Street cities currently have a city-run farmers' market? Or how does your city support farmers' markets in your downtown? Is there a structure in place, funding, advertising, etc.?
Our downtown farmers' market is run by a group of farmers, but one farm holds all of the leadership positions. They are ready to transition away from this role so it can grow and so there isn't any animosity between farmers because one group holds all of the leadership positions. My board has asked me to do some research on how other farmers' markets are run in downtowns that have them.
Any tips, experiences, etc. on funning farmers markets in-house vs. supporting farmer groups is appreciated!”
- Maggie Gillespie, Former Buda Main Street Program Manager
Sherman
Ours is not a city-run farmers market, it was put together and operated by actual farmers and local artisan-type vendors…but we support the market by allowing them to set up each Saturday (April-October) on city owned property and we help to promote it as well. We try to help in any other ways that we can, when needed, providing any cones/barricades needed- as well as a large trash receptacle near the site.
- Sarah McRae, Tourism/Main Street Manager
Taylor
A farmer’s group ran one in our downtown but moved out of downtown due to construction that included their site. We are redoing our Heritage Square and it will have structures for them – if we can get them to come back. I know they have asked on guidance on how to run them successfully.
- Deby Lannen, Former Main Street Manager
Waxahachie
Here is the link to all the information about our farmers market. It was started by the city in 2003 and has been in continuous operation since. I handle all the administrative stuff for the market, but the vendors make all the decisions on how to spend the money generated by space rentals. They do not receive additional funding from the city. If you have any questions after reviewing all this, let me know. Our market has been very successful. Vendors reported sales of over $150,000 last season (that only lasted 28 weeks).
- Anita Brown, Former Director of Downtown Development / HPO
Goliad
Goliad has a Farmer's Market but I believe the Chamber of Commerce runs it. Its held on a Friday in downtown Goliad in front of the Chamber of Commerce.
- Keli Miller, Main Street Manager
Marshall
We have a Market on the Square in Marshall. Last year was the first year, and the farmer led their bylaws, etc. Main Street stepped in to market – new logo/fans etc., bring craft booths in, signage and more, and popcorn and lemonade/provided by Main Street every Saturday.
By the end of the summer…my backbone had taken a beating and I had to get a new one…
I handed out Market Fans at training last summer, kids $1 craft days were very good, two contests/pie making and ice cream making….involved people!, and we were open 4 days a week…in 2017.
Now, we hold it 3 days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The growers came to us this year, and Main Street continues to help.
- Carolyn Howard, Former Main Street Manager
Cuero
Cuero Main Street is under the Golden Crescent Food Bank in Victoria Texas, our sister city. Attached information below that may help but please let me know if you’d like to see our applications as well.
2018 Market Rules and Guidelines
2018 FBGC FM Association By-Laws
2018 Farmers Market Member Statement
- Sandra Osman, Main Street Manager
Waco
Our Downtown Farmer’s Market is a separate 501c3 that manages the market. The City (usually, but they’re hosted by the county temporarily right now) gives them free space in which to operate.
When the market was new the Market Manager was a part-time position paid to run Saturday morning markets and handle a little business. In the six or so years since it started, the manager has become a full-time position and we’ve added interns, a paid-by-the-hour setup crew to help with the Market booth and tables and chairs and whatnot, and ultimately a part-time assistant. Operating expenses are paid via booth fees, some sales (merchandise, etc.) and the odd grant, sponsorship or fundraiser (i.e. farm-to-table dinners.)
Having a board made up of a combination of vendors, downtown folks and just market patrons has been good, and having a manager provides means to pursue grants and sponsorships, which have added to the market’s strength and quality. For example, we have inexpensive live music every Saturday, shaded areas to sit and enjoy food and drink, hula hoops and things for kids, etc. The market has become a standard Saturday morning gathering and hangout for lots, more than just a place to grab veggies.
- Megan Henderson, Former Main Street Director
Denton
We have a Farmers Market and a Community Market; both are managed by separate non-profits (not Main Street).
Here are the links:
http://www.dentoncommunitymarket.com/
http://dentonfarmersmarket.com/
Here’s a couple of useful resources https://www.mass.gov/guides/how-to-run-a-farmers-market http://www.marketumbrella.org/marketshare/
- Julie Glover, Former Main Street Manager
Laredo
Laredo Main Street has a successful Farmers Market Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Our market is going on its 8th year we recently expanded to a second location. If you would like to contact me so that I can answer any questions I’d be more than happy to chat and see how we could be of assistance to you.
- Priscilla Iglesias, Former Main Street Executive Director
La Grange
We have a farmer’s market that we manage every Saturday, year-round from 8am-2pm. It is a fairly simple process for us. Participants have to submit the attached application before they can set-up for the first time. We renew these applications annually. Space at the market is first come, first serve and they set-up around the courthouse lawn. We don’t charge anything for people to participate. On Saturdays, one of our staff members goes to farmer’s market and takes attendance and pictures for a Facebook post we do every week.
- Kim Newton, Former Assistant Main Street and Tourism Manager
Amarillo
From Beth Duke:
This is the Business Plan & Worksheet I wrote to start our Amarillo Community Market two years ago. We’ll start our 3rd season in June. It's important to remember that:
We are an urban program – a nonprofit and not part of city government.
We are not strictly a farmer’s market because we also have art, crafts, homemade cottage foods and home-baked cottage foods.
We are only a Saturday pop-up market downtown – many farmers markets have weekday sales, too, but we can’t block off these streets during the business week.
The market brought new life to our downtown on Saturday mornings. Our restaurants now have a thriving brunch/lunch business on Saturdays. We average between 400 and 600 people each market day.