Council hears farmers market hour changes, upcoming community events

City officials and staff told the City Council they adjusted farmers market hours and reviewed upcoming community events, including an Apple Festival, seasonal vendor scheduling and a drive-in movie night at the ice rink.

A city speaker described recent operational changes at the market, saying they "did tweak the hours a little bit. We we closed, I think, now at 6 instead of 7, and we tweaked Sunday instead of opening up 1. We're open at noon closing fours." The speaker said the changes were made in response to vendor input and common-sense scheduling.

Officials also listed upcoming events: a county cleanup on Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., an Apple Festival at the farmers market this Saturday, scarecrow activities and a candy/turkey drop later in the month. On the drive-in movie night, the council noted cars will be admitted beginning about 6 p.m. and the program will run until about 10 p.m.

Council members and staff said some vendors plan reduced seasonal schedules (for example, closing Monday and Tuesday) and that the market will remain open year-round with compressed winter hours. No policy changes, permit issues or new funding were proposed during the discussion; the remarks were presented as operational updates from staff and managers.

Council members thanked department staff for their help at recent public events, including the Mound Arts and Crafts Festival, which speakers described as a success. There was no motion or vote tied to the market announcements on the record.