Ketchum market has new location
By Dana DuGan
Next week, summer truly begins in the Wood River Valley. With the return of the area’s two farmers’ markets, Wood River Valley residents and visitors will have the opportunity to consume local produce, meats and artisan foods while enjoying an afternoon together in a beautiful setting.
The Ketchum Farmers’ Market will open 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at its new location at the base of River Run in Ketchum. The Hailey Farmers’ Market will open 2-6 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at its traditional park-like setting on Main Street, between Galena and Carbonate streets.
As usual, the markets will see an array of offerings, including fresh, locally-grown produce and locally-raised meats, specialty items, some crafts, prepared foods, flowers and breads. An important part of the mission of the markets is to connect farmers with their consumers, and vice-versa.
The move for the Ketchum market will be one of adjustment, since it is no longer situated in the middle of town due to pressure from nearby shops that saw a disruption in their business. While the move unsettled many, Sun Valley saw an opening to have better outreach with Ketchum and to highlight the River Run area. The resort’s River Run Revitalization arm reached out to the market board during the offseason, said Kelly Eisenberger, manager of both Wood River Farmers’ Markets.
The market will now be held weekly in the lower River Run parking area. It has several aspects that make it attractive to both the Wood River Valley Farmers’ Market board, as well as the farmers: there is ample parking for vendors and customers, use of permanent restrooms, and a scenic area to spend the afternoon. Recreationists can enjoy the market after a hike or biking on Bald Mountain.
Eisenberger says the River Run Revitalization group understands the worth of farmers’ markets. Together, they are working on signage, banners on Main Street and other marketing to help the new destination be a long-term success.
Among the vendors there will be such new producers as Itty Bitty Farms, Lookout Farm, Magic Valley Homestead, Piedaho, The Cactus Shack, Fancy Fox Chocolates, and Whiteheads Landscaping with its vermicompost tea and worms.
For the opening, there will be raffles and family-friendly activities planned. Kings Crown Organics will pepper roast onsite during the season; there will be ice cream making and live music, including Drew Harrison for opening day on Tuesday.
Eisenberger has reported a record number of applications this year,
“It’s exciting that the market is growing and Sun Valley has the room for us to grow even more,” she said.
To help consumers, there are some new transportation options, including a free shuttle ride from The Limelight Hotel as well as the public Mountain Rides buses, which stop nearby at the Tyrolean Lodge.
“We’re working with local nonprofits and Sun Valley Company to expand the offerings at the location so it is more of a destination location,” Eisenberger said.
While the shopping is the point of outdoor markets, getting to meet and know the people who plant, care for and harvest the food you eat is a bonus. When consumers know their farmers, and vice-versa, the food system achieves a healthful, relationship-focused cycle.