I think it’s time for the Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market to move. It’s crowded, it creates tremendous pedestrian congestion around those two intersections (Broadway and Capital, and Broadway and Memorial) as people try to find parking elsewhere and then walk to get there (very few spaces left in the same parking lot).
Folks also park in the library parking, which creates terrible traffic jams there, too.
Plus you can’t park across the river anymore as the new hotel is being built, and surely the limited parking spaces there won’t be open/useful when the construction is finished.
So where to go? It’s kind of a downtown tradition, but there really isn’t any good sized venue to hold this event downtown anymore.
Along the greenbelt? Too wide spread, although it would be shadier than where they are now. Some of the vendors use their vehicles as a kind of operations staging area, so it wouldn’t work for them to be on the grass along the river.
There are two empty box store parking lot areas where we could move them to, pending approval from property owners and traffic considerations. The old Ernst/K-Mart area on W Broadway is closest, and the old “Yellowstone Mall” area north of town is larger and wide open.
Or, with an eye to community involvement, what about asking the developers to set aside a dedicated area in the Taylor’s Crossing or Snake River Landing sections of the river? Plan for parking, and the area could be opened to other types of activities held during the weekdays, too…wouldn’t those be tax writeoff opportunities, and foster goodwill, too?
It’s just time to be proactive, move on and allow for growth. What do you think? Are there any of these places where, if it were relocated there, you would NOT go?
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I like the idea of the old Kmart/Ernst but that probably wouldn’t get the traffic. Where it is right now is convenient for those walking the river or visiting the restaurants in that area. Taylors Crossing might be good though too. I have not even stopped there due to the high volume of traffic I always see. I think if they are someplace where they can spread out more and have more parking that would be a good idea.
I haven’t gone this year, the parking has been terrible and I don’t navigate well on my feet for very far.
I have tried to drive in that area and the crowds are everywhere, trying to get across Broadway and Capital to shop…
I would like the river area, too, so I’m really hoping the Taylors’ Crossing and/or Snake River Landing folks get the fever and realize the potential for having an expanded setting in their area…
It might be a good way to expose the newer areas at Taylor’s Crossing. I honestly don’t even know what’s over there because I never stop there either but, I might if Farmer’s Market moved.
I agree that they need more room (they also need more fresh vegetables, which seems to be a bigger problem, in my mind).
But is anybody else kind of bothered by the commercialization of events at Taylor’s Crossing and Snake River Landing? It started with Cinco de Mayo, which used to be at Tauphus Park. Why can’t we use our public parks more?
I know I’m being hypocritical. There are several events that use commercial facilities – as the Farmer’s Market does now. I guess I’d like to see events move to more public locations.
I went to Farmer’s Market yesterday. Around 12:30, they were closing up and there were tons of people still there. It would be nice if they stayed open longer, and yes, they need more room. They should use Tauthphaus Park for this purpose.
Tautphaus Park is a great idea! I like that better.
Wow, Bundy, they used to be open there until 2pm. I wonder if they closed up a bit early because of the Roaring Youth Jam on the other side of the greenbelt?
Idahogie, they were branching out into mostly craft products and food products such as spices (Kull Dude) and meats and breads…so I was really hoping the co-op would bring in a goodly supply of organic produce that I could choose from…
Is the park kinda slow on Saturday mornings? If so, then maybe that would be a good place to go…maybe set up the boths all around the ball diamond or the hockey rink, where there is pretty good parking…
Freeman Park is also an option.
It’s by the river, too. I agree with Idahogie that we probably underutilize our public parks in this town.
The park is a great idea. Lots of parking and shade.
The parking at the present location is inadequate for the number of people visiting the market. It’s just plain dangerous with all the people crossing the street from every direction.
Be happy with what you have! The area that the Farmer’s Market is in now and has been for as long as I can remember has always been the prettiest, most culturally rich area of town. Moving the market would be nothing short of the removal of yet another downtown Idaho Falls staple.
I was heartbroken when the grocery on Memorial closed down, I’d be scarred if the Farmer’s Market relocated. I hope the owner has more sense than that.
I have my own garden, so I don’t often go to the Farmer’s Market, but it’s a nice option. It definitely could use a new location, though. Especially if there are increasingly more vendors with ‘other’ goods than garden produce. And, as CafeDelSol mentioned, some shade would be nice to have when it is so hot on some days.
Marcus, that was sad to see Saving Center go. Apparently they just couldn’t compete with Wally World. I wish they could have. Saving Center enhanced our old downtown shopping area.
More room, a yes. New location, not so much. I have noticed people in Idaho Falls like to park and be right there, well guess what, it’s not Walmart, so get out and walk. Park on the other side of downtown and enjoy the uniqueness of the downtown area while walking to the market. Better marked crossings would be a helpfull change, but if you want the feel of a true market, walking is required.
A park would provide the room, but it would not have the same feeling of being out in town, and on the river. Downtown Idaho Falls could use the extra foot traffic. Get out and see what the older area of town has to offer.
Your comment, #14, makes a lot of sense, but many times I have purchased things at the market that I couldn’t possibly carry back to my car if I was parked too far away. When you buy by the bushel or case, walking and carrying any distance is not always feasible. That was one reason why I liked Freeman Park. Even if you couldn’t park close, you could always go get your car and drive by, pick up your items and get on your way. And Freeman park is on the river also.
And my problem is walking, period. Or just driving by, trying to get someplace that requires me to drive through the walking crowds (the library trip was a disaster, people had parked there leaving no available spots for the patrons, long before it opened…and then they’d dart across the street as if they didn’t need to worry about 2 or 3 ton autos bearing down on them).
So the current spot is not useful anymore. We may like the downtown flavor, but we have to change either the way folks get there from where they parked (such as overhead walkways?) and patrol to keep non-patron parking from happening in the library lot, or change the venue so that parking close by or safe walking zones from parking is an option.
Your problem is not grounds to move a weekly community event.
Nemesis isn’t the only one with a similar problem, Marcus. The very young and the elderly are also a large part of the target audience, and they shouldn’t have to cross Capitol Ave, either.
Her argument is that the current space is too smaill, and she asked if it were time to move. The lack of access came up as a side issue – if the Market were to move, that would be one good consideration.
She never argued that the Farmer’s Market should move because of her access issue.
The discussion did change, regardless what the original topic was. We are now on access.
If you cannot safely cross a street (the safest group of heavily traveled streets in town), then do not attend the market. If you can’t stand some close quartered perusing of stock with your fellow Idahoans, then do not attend the market. If you don’t like the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables at the market, then do not attend the market. I could continue, but it seems a bit redundant and unnecessary.
The space is available free of use to community members to sell and purchase wares courtesy of Key Bank. Give a thank you to those that coordinate the event and those that donate space, walk across the street, and enjoy the river.
I wrote this in part because I had difficulties trying to drive through all the jaywalking pedestrians who had to park far away and walk across Broadway and Capital because there wasn’t any close parking.
I also had difficulties finding a parking spot at the library, to drop off books about 15 minutes before they opened, as all the parking spots were taken and the vehicles were empty and the occupants were now pedestrians and streaming toward the Market.
My walking from far away is what keeps me from attending in that location. But the other problems are, as Idahogie mentioned, why the article was written and really why the market should be moved. It’s overcrowded in its current location, and the parking is poorly planned and the pedestrian traffic is out of control.
Marcus,
What a simplistic way to view the world. There really are no problems that can’t be addressed using that logic, are there?
How easy for you.
I agree that it’s too crowded where it is. There are many people who have difficulty walking who would love to visit the Farmers Market. It is congested which is one reason I haven’t gone and I don’t have problems walking. The fact is, it’s grown beyond it’s current capacity where it stands now and is ready for bigger territory.
Wow, it’s been a long few weeks and that didn’t come out quite right but I think you know what I mean.
I’ve found that simple solutions are ever the best. Hate to see that this doesn’t connect on all fronts.
There’s a difference between “simple” and “simplistic.”
I think the location is good, maybe find some areas in the near proximity to the Market for expanding, set up a few more tents, spread things out a little. I’m sure, positive actually, that in idaho falls we could find three or four volunteers to help manage foot traffic around the busy streets. Just a few people with signs or flags could keep things moving properly.
Parking at the library is a problem and I’m sure could be remedied with a few postings and a watchful eye.
Moving it to a park would take the “market” out of it. It would become more of a produce distribution center than anything else.
I suggest they use downtown Idaho Falls and close the street down on “B” Street like they do for Alive After Five. They would have Civitan Plaza there as well as plenty of parking downtown on a Saturday without any of the issues of busy streets.
Many nights Alive After Five will have close to 500 people, so this area should accomodate easily. This will also help the downtown area on Saturdays — a win-win situations for residents and the downtown businesses.
I would like to see the market spread out a bit, even if it stays where it is. I would like to see room for growth.
Also, I hate to whine, but last time I was there I spent most of my time trying to avoid tangling in dog leashes, and that kind of ruined it for me, I haven’t been back.
Nufsaid #27, I LIKE that idea. That sounds really proactive, it’s still downtown, there’s still parking, and it’s a safe area for walking, etc!
I was wondering about the recent closure of Memorial on the one side close to the river, for the Roaring Youth Jam or something last week, but it was really a lot of space generated and the crowds of people were well accommodated.
I just know there’s got to be a better way.
I have been watching this thread now for a while and think that there are some really good ideas. I am a vendor at the farmers market and I think it would be great to expand, but moving the market would destroy something that has been in developemnet for years, like the new developments along the river trying to redefine what Idaho Falls is to visitors. One thing we all need to realize is that the market has to go through so many hoops just to be where it is that moving or expanding is not something that could happen overnite.
and if you dont frequent the market now but are complaining about it’s location. you need to realize that it has no reason to think that it needs to expand if people arent coming to it. people do make notes on traffic and increased sales are the biggest indicator to any business that they need to expand. so get off your butts and support the market even on rainy days, or else its simply not going to get the traffic that it needs to justify expanding
Another thing you could do it call our city council members, it is their job to make sure the needs of the community are met, The idea has been brought up in the past to put the market down the middle of memorial all along the river. That would make parking alot nicer for the less able folks. The city however does not want to close that street down for the market every saturday, or have to mesh togehter other events that are held on the weekends there. If more people made it known that they would like to see that happen then its more likely to. but right now its just the market manager trying to convince them to do it with not much support.
Its hard just trying to get the city to plant more flowers along the area the market is at. you would think that with the traffic it gets they would see the value of beautifying the area a little bit more than they do.
Thats why I think it needs to be moved across the street and held on the greenbelt. There’s plenty of room there and plenty of parking. Those folks that sell out of the back of their pickups will just have to purchase a small tent that’s all. (their very inexpensive these days)
It makes a lot of sense and I appreciate your comment, Kevin.
Good comments Kevin. I really like the idea of closing Memorial. I have been to a lot of cities that close streets for a farmers market event and think that would attract a lot of people. I also think it is a great idea ot contact our city councils members about the idea. I will do that. Thank you.
I understand there’s to be a grand opening of a new Farmers Market at Ammon Towne Square on May 16. It is being held in the lot east of the new Ace Hardware, on Ammon and 17th. It plans to run Saturdays 10-2 from May 16 through Oct 31.
Wanted: Vendor’s/Gardener’s/Crafters/Musicians
Shelly & Bret Yorgesen at 208-716-4748 are listed as the ones to contact for answers to your questions about the Ammon Farmer’s Market.
Maybe having an additional market will alleviate some of the problems mentioned above?