Community market saw nearly 45,000 people
Andres Guzman with Tico's Taco Truck serves Derrick Robb from Kansas City at the Columbia Falls Farmers Market on May 19. (JP Edge photo)
Hungry Horse News
The Columbia Falls Community Market had another great summer, with nearly 45,000 people visiting — or about 2,248 for each market, according to figures compiled by director Melissa Ellis.
The market featured 117 vendors (48 full season, 43 substitutes, 26 half season vendors), she said. There were also 20 local small businesses as market sponsors and 22 local small nonprofits that received a minimum of $200 in donations each week.
The market also featured 20 live band performances by 14 local artists.
Other highlight included:
• Host Land to Hand provided local low income individuals with access to healthy food with a total benefit of just under $6,000 for its programs.
• Donated 270 pounds of produce to the Columbia Falls Food Bank
• Featured 4 Columbia Falls High School art students work on the 2022 Market Flyers
• Purchased and wrapped a new cargo trailer to create a smooth set up and tear down procedure at the venue
• Employed seven valued employees throughout the market season
• The market also saw a boost in its social media presence, particularly in its page reach, which increased by 770% from 2,240 to 19,478.
The market would like to expand in the future, Ellis noted.
“We have been actively searching for a larger location to move to that has highway frontage and parking, but have been unsuccessful. We will be hosting the Columbia Falls Community Market at The Coop Venue for the 2023 season,” Ellis said.