Wood River Farmers Market Association’s History

The Wood River Farmers Market Association celebrates 25 years this season! The first farmers market was organized in 2000, by a determined group of farmers who had been selling in the valley for a few years in various informal ways and wanted more structure. They set their sights on downtown Ketchum and started working with Ketchum Atkinsons’ on a plan. Atkinsons’ knew that Tuesday afternoons were typically slow, so that seemed like a good time to promote local farmers. The vendors also liked the idea of a weekday market to supplement their Saturday sales at other markets throughout Southern Idaho.

In June 2000, 13 vendors set up their stands in a city-owned lot that Atkinsons’ used for parking.  Vendors were from Buhl, King Hill, Fairfield, Shoshone and Blaine County and products included fresh veggies, fruits and berries, eggs, meats, pies, cookies, goat milk soap, and breads. They held 18 markets between June and October. Atkinsons was an invaluable partner in the early years, with their support via advertising and positive promotion of the market.

The Hailey Farmers Market operated semi-independently from the Ketchum Farmers Market during the years of 2003 and 2004 on Thursdays in the Hailey Atkinsons’ parking lot. This market featured some of the vendors from the Ketchum Farmers Market and a few new vendors. 

In 2005, under the direction of Board President Jeff Rast, the Wood River Farmers Market Association officially became an association with the State of Idaho. The association consisted of the Ketchum and Hailey Farmers Markets with rules and by-laws, and a market manager was hired. At this time, the Hailey Farmers Market was moved to the Bouillon Square on Main Street in Hailey.

In 2009 and 2010 the Ketchum Community Development Corporation (KCDC) proposed to the City of Ketchum to convert the city-owned parking lot into a town square. With predominantly private funding and some public funding, the town square was built and opened in 2010. At the same time, the KCDC embarked on making 4th street a heritage corridor (wider sidewalks, lights, banners) – this was completed over the subsequent 3 or 4 years. During this time, the Ketchum Farmers Market moved around based on construction and availability of space and grew to a peak of 63 vendors. Continual growth led to more moves and reconfigurations, with energy building both from interested regional vendors and eager community members. The Ketchum Farmers Market had become very popular, with increasing customer interest in local food and goods straight from the producer.

Around this time, the Hailey Farmers Market made a move to the grassy lot on Main Street behind Sturtevants. Momentum was building valley wide for our local food and artisan networks.  The grassy, park-like location gave the Hailey Farmers Market a cozy and relaxed feel for vendors and customers. Unfortunately, in 2016 the Hailey Farmers Market made another move to Carbonate Street between Main and 1st Ave N. With this move, the market lost some vendors and the cozy atmosphere.

In 2019, Wood River Farmers Market Association began working with Sun Valley Company. The Ketchum Farmers Market moved to the River Run parking lot where they had a very successful first year. In 2020, the Hailey Farmers Market was moved to the Roberta McKercher Park to the main park area. The market was back to a park for the welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, but had a slow start in its new location due to the COVID pandemic.

As for everyone, the Wood River Farmers Markets were forced to adapt to new restrictions during the pandemic. The Board of Directors and staff worked diligently to assemble a market program for COVID, and both markets opened as usual in 2020 with various restrictions. The adapted market program for COVID was a big win for vendors and customers. It enabled vendors to still be able to sell their wares, and locals could enjoy the summer bounty. The space and accessibility of the River Run parking lot, and the support of Sun Valley Company  were integral to the success of a challenging COVID market season. The success of the markets throughout the pandemic, both for vendors and customers, was a demonstration of the importance of strong and resilient local food systems. 

Because of the hardship the Hailey Farmers Market faced in 2020, it was moved again in 2021. This move just across the parking lot to the grassy island at Roberta McKercher Park made the market visible from the highway. The market day and time was also changed to Saturdays from 9am  to 1pm. This move made the Hailey Farmers Market more family friendly, allowed customers more time to shop and enjoy time together sitting on grass with a snack while listening to local musicians.

The summers of 2021 and 2022 were hard on the Ketchum Farmers Market at the River Run location. The heat of the parking lot was intense in the afternoons, and business lagged after the first hour rush. Moreover, it was hard to keep produce and other products cool in these conditions.  At the same time, the City of Ketchum approached the market about moving back to Ketchum and proposed Forest Service Park as a location for the 2023 season. After much discussion and consideration on both sides, the Ketchum Farmers Market made a successful move to Forest Service Park, the historic tree-lined park adjacent to the Limelight Hotel. They also chose to shift the market to Wednesdays from Noon-4pm. Vendors and customers alike have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the new location, and the market has thrived at Forest Service Park.

The Ketchum Farmers Market has always been a market to stroll through and now it continues to grow with the park setting. The trees, the park amenities and the location have allowed for a cozy atmosphere where customers can eat lunch in the shade while enjoying music and leisurely shop for all food and goods that are needed for the week. 

The Hailey Farmers Market has grown throughout the years along with its vendors. It has become a very family friendly market where vendors and customers have become friends. It has a homey, laid back and relaxed atmosphere where vendors and customers watch each other’s kids grow up. A place to spend Saturday mornings catching up with friends, to make new friends and relax in the shade.

Throughout the years, the Ketchum and Hailey Farmers Markets have gone through ups and downs. Overall, both markets along with Wood River Farmers Market Association have grown in the past 25 years and seen an increase in vendors and customers. The local food movement, customers preference to “know your farmer” and the desire to eat whole foods has increased significantly, making the Wood River Farmers Markets highly sought after locations to shop. 

Original market vendors still selling this year are King’s Crown Organic Farm, Prairie Sun Farm, and Brick Oven Bakery. They have maintained an active role in keeping the association strong along with other long-time vendors.