Organizers request weekly Saturday Market on Lake County courthouse lawn; facilities and license issues noted

Cassie Parks and April Simmons asked the Board on April 8 for permission to hold a Saturday Market on the Lake County courthouse lawn every Saturday from May 17 through Oct. 1, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., including a proposed kids activity area. They said the market aims to be a weekly community event and that vendors already agree to handle trash and use weights rather than driving stakes into the lawn.

Facilities and Properties Manager David Berman said he had spoken with the organizers, supported the idea, and emphasized the need for a signed use contract, a designated site layout and adherence to the no-stakes rule to avoid damaging sprinkler lines. He also confirmed organizers would need to provide proof of insurance and manage trash removal as part of the contract.

Commissioners asked practical questions about vendor eligibility and food vendors; organizers said they were working to bring food trucks and were open to all vendors while pursuing 501(c)(3) status. Berman said he would review and finalize the terms when organizers met with him.

Separately, Commissioners Assistant Tina Burneikis reported receipt of an OLCC liquor license application from Christmas, Inc., the new owners of Sagewood Grocery in Christmas Valley; the applicants said they will have two managers on-site and plan to relocate to Bend. Commissioners noted the store would be the only liquor outlet in Christmas Valley and that the applicants were not locally known; no denial or approval action occurred during the work session.

The Board directed staff to place the courthouse-use request and the liquor-license notification on the regular-session agenda for formal consideration.