Downtown farmers market asks Park Commission to allow weekly market in town park

Representatives of the downtown farmers market asked the Park Commission on Oct. 16 to allow the weekly Thursday market to move from Depot Street into the town park, saying the event has grown from about nine regular vendors to as many as 19 and is creating parking and circulation pressures at the current site.

Market representative Karen said the market “was very well attended by vendors and customers” this year and that “typically we got 19 vendors each Thursday,” and asked whether the commission would “entertain that here — over the Farmer’s Market, that's in the town park.” Several vendors and other supporters described the move as a way to showcase the market and increase customer traffic for local farms.

Park staff and commissioners discussed permitting and logistics. A staff member said vendors fill out an annual vendor permit and suggested the commission could issue a single seasonal park permit for the market rather than requiring a separate permit every week. Commissioners and staff noted potential conflicts with other park events and suggested the permit allow flexibility to move a market day forward or back if it conflicts with a major event.

Speakers raised parking and safety concerns: vendors said parking at the Depot Street site has become scarce and that vehicle movement around the current market can be “a little scary” because children and pedestrians circulate near vehicles. Vendors proposed siting booths on the park’s grass along the right-hand side of the entrance or using the parking area in ways that would free spaces for other park users.

Commissioners asked staff to coordinate next steps with market organizers. A parks staff member said staff would follow up about permit language and whether the commission could adopt a season-long exception, and asked the market organizers to contact town staff (Aaron and Scott were named as contacts) to work out details.

The market representatives said they would continue conversations with town staff and that volunteers and vendors are willing to help with setup and upkeep. Commissioners indicated they were broadly supportive but would need to resolve permit language, parking and safety details before formally approving a move.

The market representatives asked for clarification about handling conflicts with other events (for example, shifting the market day when a major festival falls on a Thursday); staff advised listing flexible dates in the annual permit. The commission did not take a formal vote on a permanent relocation at the meeting.