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Gray council approves farmers market license after debate over weekday hours
Summary
After public testimony in support of the Gray Village Farmers Market, the council authorized market days — substituting Friday afternoons for the originally proposed Thursday slot — and discussed traffic, parking and liability concerns before voting.
The Gray Town Council held a public hearing on July 14 and heard multiple residents and vendors advocate for the Gray Village Farmers Market nd a move to town hall for access to restrooms and running water.
Erin Bruce, a longtime resident and vendor, described the market as a place "to build community commerce," and told the council she'd rely on the market to grow her plant-nursery business. Vendors and residents said they had already secured roughly $16,000 in sponsor and booth revenue this season.
Councilors spent most of the deliberation debating a proposed weekday slot (Thursdays, 3–6 p.m.) that the applicants said would help vendors who already fill weekend schedules. Several councilors raised concerns that a Thursday market could conflict with pickup traffic and evening recreational programming. Councilor Johnson said, "I don't think it should be open during the work week" and favored weekend hours instead.
After discussing alternatives, the council authorized the market to operate Friday 3–6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for the season, subject to the license conditions the town clerk will administer, including proof of insurance. Councilors said they expect the license to be renewed annually and stressed enforcement of insurance and parking rules.
The council did not specify a final vendor roster but directed staff to ensure any necessary town services (restroom access, parking arrangements and insurance verification) are enforced as part of the license agreement.
