Kane County CEO Board recommends $5,000 for Kanab-area farmers markets' marketing and vendor support

The Kane County Economic Opportunity Board recommended $5,000 on Dec. 2 to support marketing and vendor infrastructure for Kanab and Duck Creek farmers markets, aiming to reverse a year-over-year decline in vendors and customers.

Ron Thomas, one of the market organizers, told the board the markets have seen falling participation and asked for $3,000 to fund signs, rack cards and modest print and social advertising to boost local attendance and reconnect valley vendors to the Kanab market. “We are requesting $3,000,” Thomas said, describing plans for a-frame signs, double-sided flags, rack cards and targeted social posts.

Board members urged broader coordination with valley partners and suggested the program include vendor supports such as pop-up tents and check-in infrastructure. Commissioner (Speaker 6) recommended increasing the request “to include some equipment and supplies” and to secure valley participation before the commission hearing. Thomas clarified the applicants are three individuals who are not forming a nonprofit and had used an organizational partner on the grant application for administrative purposes.

Recognizing the project's potential to support many small, locally owned producers, a board member moved to amend the request to $5,000; the motion passed by voice vote. The board recommended the funding package to the full county commission for final approval.

If approved by the commission, the money would be used for signage and marketing to promote weekly and seasonal markets, with organizers saying they will coordinate with the Kanab Area Chamber of Commerce and local tourism pages to maximize reach. The board asked organizers to pursue valley participation and to be prepared to report back on outcomes.