Clark Fork River Market returns May 1, 2021
New location on west side of Higgins Bridge next to the Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow.
The Clark Fork River Market is set to open its 2021 season on Saturday, May 1st in a temporary new location due to ongoing construction of the Higgins Avenue Bridge. This year the River Market will be in the city’s Caras parking lot, in front of the Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow.
“We are delighted that this new location gives us plenty of room to hopefully include more vendors and to easily accommodate our growing online market”, said Tami Hubbard, Clark Fork River Market Manager. “Plus, it provides easy access to two family-friendly kids’ play areas”.
The River Market will work closely with the Missoula City-County Health Department again this year to incorporate best-practice COVID-19 protocols to keep the market safe for customers and vendors.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”2″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]For more than 15 years, the Clark Fork River Market has been providing a scenic setting for Missoula residents and visitors to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, honey and plant starts from area farmers and ranchers. Vendors also supply a variety of value-added products such as fresh baked bread, pastries, kombucha, ferments, jam, wool goods, nursery plants, flowers, and other wares are available. The River Market operates Saturdays from 8 am until 1 pm, rain or shine, through the end of October.
“We are hoping to add more vendors to the market so we can provide a nice selection of goods. We are also working to increase the number of goods available through our online market. The number of vendors usually increases as the growing season progresses,” said Hubbard. “Independence Day weekend has typically been the time when Missoula area gardens are in full production. Customers can expect to find farm fresh produce, baked goods, meats, honey and plants and other items.”
Direct marketing of produce and products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to the kitchen table. All this shipping uses large amounts of natural resources (especially fossil fuels), contributes greatly to pollution, and creates excess trash with extra packaging. Today, there are nearly 4,800 farmers markets operating throughout the nation.
New vendors are encouraged to apply to participate in the River Market.
Contact the Market Manager at 406-880-9648 or visit www.clarkforkmarket.com to obtain a copy of the regulations and to apply.