Carl Junction farmers market asks council to continue pavilion use, proposes modest upgrades

Kenny Wickstrom, speaking on behalf of the Carl Junction Farmers Market, told the Board of Aldermen the season was a success and asked that the market be allowed to continue using the city pavilion next year under the same memorandum of understanding that governed the past season. Wickstrom asked for the typical April start through the first week or two of October and offered a few facility suggestions to improve comfort and storage.

“We had our last market of the season a few weeks ago ... I’m here to tell you tonight that the end result was a success,” Wickstrom said, and he thanked the council for permitting weekly pavilion use. He reported the market’s peak vendor count, including food trucks, reached about 13 vendors and said roughly 6–7 vendors had already indicated they would return next year.

Wickstrom described community benefits, saying vendors connected with local schools and that the market’s last event fed “about 250 people” through a combination of vendors and activities. He suggested installing fans on the pavilion rafters for high summer temperatures, adding coverings to prevent birds from nesting in the soffits, and placing one or two shelving units in the shared storage area between the CJFC and the pavilion to reduce items left on the floor.

Council members voiced support for the market and said they would review the suggestions for feasibility. The council did not take a formal vote on improvements at the meeting; Wickstrom’s request to continue pavilion access was met with general assent and will be handled administratively under the existing memorandum of understanding.

Next steps: Council staff said they will consider the vendor’s suggestions and follow up on feasible improvements before the next season.