Every year from early May to late October, the Moscow community spends its Saturday mornings making memories at the local farmers market.
The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has been a local tradition since it was established nearly 41 years ago in 1976.
Merchants, farmers and artists come together to sell their products at vending stations, all lining the streets of Main Street. Vendors sell, art, fresh produce, soaps, treats, crafts and much more.
“Walking down main street on market day, you get an amazing feeling in your gut, one that’s full of excitement and childlike wonder. The market is what brings this community together, every Saturday. I walk here just to explore the booths — you never know what treasures you will find,” May Fredrich, a Moscow local who has been shopping at the market since 2003, said.
“The market is one of the key components to the functions here is Moscow,” Moscow local Leigh Knodler said. “My favorite part is the fresh produce.”
The market is filled with both experienced and new vendors.
Elizabeth Taylor, an organic farmer, has been selling her fresh produce for nearly 38 years.
“I came to this town a few years after the market started, at first it was hard to find business because not too long ago organic farming was considered untrustworthy,” Taylor said. “Today, I see a lot more people than I did when I first started selling in this market.
However, with more locals looking to buy organic produce comes more competition.
“I’m glad to see a vast amount of people taking interest in organic farming, but with the growth comes competition,” Taylor said. “I see many more people farming organically, it takes good customers and fair service to get by.”
Taylor is an experienced vendor in the market, and she, like many others, has formed a close relationship with the community and her customers.
“I always go to Taylor’s to get fresh flowers and cauliflower,” Freidrich said. “I enjoy talking to her. She is a wonderful person and has many good stories to tell.”
There are many important factors that contribute to the markets success. The art in the market is a key charm. Musicians, sculptors, photographers fill the market with beauty and splendor.
“It’s unique to find a place where you can shop, eat, and enjoy fine art, all in a few hours,” Moscow local Emily Rich said. “The musicians in the market make my Saturdays every time … you get to see many diverse musicians perform.”
A few of the musicians include Gerret Knight and Paul Anders, a duo musician team who started working together a few years ago.
“I’ve been a musician since the age of five,” Gerret said. “I was always banging on pots and pans and singing in the kitchen, the market has given me a chance to really expand, I can pop down here, play my music, and make a few dollars in tips, it’s one of my favorite things to do.”
Knight and Anders play in the market as much as possible.
“It used to be that you could just come down here, sit down, play a few songs and nobody would stop you, but now since there are many more musicians you have to reserve a spot to play,” Anders said.
The market itself is a growing business, and will continue to be a staple part of the community for years to come.
“It’s a beautiful place to get lost in,” Rich said. “It’s a good opportunity to expand your horizons, experience diverse cultures and check out modern age art. The market connects people and helps the world grow a little.”
Kilty Ellis can be reached at [email protected]