Farmington council approves farmers market dates after manager’s annual report

The Farmington City Council on Jan. 20 approved the 2026 schedule for the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market after a detailed annual report from market manager Mister Gajewski.

Mister Gajewski told council the market saw a season total of "a little over a 119,000" in attendance-related figures, noted volunteer coordination and vendor incubation successes, and described a new food-waste recycling program run in partnership with a local nonprofit. He also highlighted outreach and social-media growth and the market’s role as a business incubator for vendors who later opened storefronts in downtown Farmington.

On logistics, Gajewski said the market plans to open Saturday, May 2 for a 28-week season ending Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, and discussed coordination with the incoming Founders Festival operator and the practical reasons the market has operated at Farmington High School (street-closure timing, parking availability, and insurance approvals). Council members raised the possibility of keeping more market footprint downtown during Founders Festival but acknowledged street-closure impacts and the need to coordinate with the festival operator.

Council member Taylor moved to approve the proposed 2026 market dates as presented; Council member Balch seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The market is a long-running community event that supports local growers, artisans and small businesses and generates seasonal economic activity for downtown Farmington.

Next steps: Market staff and festival organizers will continue coordination about footprint, parking shuttles and special-event scheduling for 2026.