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La Conner council designates vendor market at port; first event set for April 25
Summary
The town approved a community vendor market to be held at the port on selected Saturdays from April through September, allowing non‑brick‑and‑mortar vendors to sell at the site under the town’s open‑air vending rules.
Katie Beardsley, a local business owner who recently opened a kayak rental, asked the council to approve a community vendor market at the port so craft vendors without brick‑and‑mortar shops can operate legally under La Conner’s open‑air vending rules.
"I'm asking for your approval to move forward with these dates," Beardsley said, outlining about 10 Saturday dates from April through September and saying roughly 30 vendors were interested in the first season. She said the marina had approved the location, she had discussed safety with the fire chief, and she planned portable restrooms and signage.
Town staff clarified the code: open‑air vending is allowed on port property if the event is designated a community event or the vendor has a permanent brick‑and‑mortar store in town. Staff said designating the market as a community event would permit the planned vendors to operate legally and noted the town had been discussing a mobile‑vendor designation previously.
Councilors discussed logistics including dates, signage, electrical access for a musician, potential conflicts with other events such as the July 4 celebration, and permit and food‑safety requirements for food vendors. A motion to designate the vendor market as a community event passed unanimously; council asked staff to work with the applicant on signage, permits and coordination with the port and public works.
The first vendor market was announced as April 25, with additional dates through September to be coordinated by the applicant and town staff.
