Saturday, April 15 is the official grand opening of the Nampa Farmers Market. More than 115 vendors and food trucks will be on site this week to make it the largest event in the market’s 35 years.
The popular market has become a regular Saturday trip for many. Last year, the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition voted the Nampa market as the best Farmers Market in the pacific northwest and third best in the entire country.
With an ever-increasing move to buy local, farmers markets are gaining in popularity. To reinforce the buy local principle, all products sold at the market must be grown or made within 100 miles of the market.
“We are excited to begin our 35th season,” said Bob Wagner, president of the market’s board of directors and also a vendor of specialty mustards. “We will have a record number of vendors on site and there will be lots of activities. Our ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00 am, and members of the Nampa City Council will be in attendance. We’re looking forward to our best season ever.”
The market operates from April through October each Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm rain or shine. A special “winter market” happens in the month of November when the market is open from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. The market is located at Lloyd Park Square in downtown Nampa, on Front Street between 113th and 114th Avenue South.
Saturday’s grand opening will also include musical entertainment from the Idaho Arts Charter Electric Orchestra plus appearances from Captain America and the police dog Chase from Paw Patrol.