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Finding the right market site

Finding the right market site
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Finding the Right Farmers' Market Site

Open-air markets are like theaters, magically transforming a portion of the community into a harvest celebration. Farmers' markets reside at many different types of locations: closed streets, empty parking lots, city plazas, county fairgrounds, city parks and more. Creating these temporary "stages" can entail labor-intense challenges to assure that the markets are safe and attractive.

Site Considerations
You may not hit every bullet point, but some important considerations are:
  • Safe and convenient pedestrian access from surrounding residential neighborhoods in all directions
  • Adjoins local streets with moderate traffic volumes that can accommodate farm truck arrivals & departures
  • Quiet, safe site - not adjoining a major arterial
  • Consistently available for the market through out the season-- moving a market for one day loses sales
  • Consistently available for multi-year usage --again, moving a market disrupts business
  • Multiple entry/exit points into site for farm vehicles
  • Close-by parking lots for customers
  • Convenient to ATM
  • Within or adjoining a commercial district; convenient to other retail activity
  • Convenient, but not adjacent, to bus routes (noise)
  • Easy access/view from arterial streets
  • Level and durable surface
  • Good drainage - no standing water
  • Accessible to water and electric, if possible
  • On-site storage
  • Public restrooms or space for portable restrooms
  • Bike Racks
  • Grey Water Disposal
  • Other appreciated improvements - shade, landscaping, open-air pavilions, stage, benches and cafe tables