The Boise Farmer’s Market
The Farmers Market in Downtown Boise is at 9:30 am to 1:30 pm every Saturday on 8th St., running from April to December.
First begun in 1994 under the guidance of Karen Ellis and the S-16 Corp. It became hugely popular but had to relocate in 1996 to a dirt lot on the corner of 8th and Main, also referred to as “The Hole”. The market become member-owned by all of its 12 vendors at the timeand continues to be a state non-profit organization. Due to its popularity 8th street is shut down each Saturday and occupied by the many vendors from Bannock to Idaho Street and by 2003 reached even further, extending onto The Grove.
Currently there are over 150 vendors covering 6 blocks in Downtown Boise.
According to the Capital City Public Market website, the Mission, Goals and Purpose of the Market are as follows:
MISSION:
Capital City Public Market envisions healthy communities nourished by sustainable food systems providing economically viable opportunities for agricultural vendors, food producers and artisans.
GOALS:
To provide the following…
- A marketplace for local growers and producers
- Access to local food
- Education and information on sustainable local food systems
- Support for sustainable farm operations and thriving economies
- World class farmers markets that grow, nourish and sustain communities
PURPOSE OF THE MARKET:
- Incubator for independent, seasonal micro businesses
- Acts as leasing agent for local area vendors
- Keeps fees affordable
- supports business by offering technical help, free weekly advertising, merchandising training and marketing assistance
- Provides a beneficial marketplace for vendors, downtown merchants and shoppers
