Bloomington Community Farmers Market staff reported a sharp increase in attendance and vendor participation at Tuesday and Saturday markets and said they are implementing operational changes to improve logistics and vendor relations.

Facility Program Coordinator Clarence Boone gave a mid‑season update, citing an average of about 4,329 visitors on Saturdays and roughly 52 vendors per market day. He said total attendance to date this July is about 55,000, up from roughly 32,000 at the same point last year. Boone credited improved communications, a newly paved parking lot, new seating, upgraded sound equipment and a larger social media presence for some of the growth.

Boone told the board that staff reduced Saturday market hours by 30 minutes, moving the closing time to 12:30 p.m., a change vendors supported to address late‑day drops in traffic and vendor sell‑outs. He said staff are experimenting with a half‑hour reduction rather than a full hour.

The board also approved two appointments to the Farmers Market Advisory Council: Carolyn Calloway Thomas (customer representative) and Louise Maricle (food and beverage artisan). The advisory council has 11 members representing vendors and customers and acts in an advisory capacity to the board and parks staff. The motion to appoint both candidates passed unanimously: Ellen Radke, Israel Herrera and Jim Whitlatch voted yes.

Boone and Community Relations Manager Julie Ramey said a new digital content coordinator, Caleb, has boosted social media engagement (they cited a large percentage increase in touch points) by producing reels, interviews and short videos that vendors then share with their customers. Market staff said they are increasing outreach, experimenting with a poster‑size map to help visitors find specific products, and planning more farm tours and special themed market days.

Boone emphasized partnership with the Winter Farmers Market and other local organizers, noting the market has earned local "Best of Bloomington" recognition in 2024 and 2025. Staff said they will continue to solicit vendor feedback through the advisory council and vendor communications and will monitor layout and customer flow improvements to increase vendor visibility.

The report was informational; staff will continue to implement planned changes and return with updates.