Golden Valley Farmers Market Coming in June

Correction: City Councilman Mike Freiberg's last name was misspelled in an earlier version of this story.

A proposed farmers market is on the fast track after several weeks of discussion and planning between the Golden Valley City Council and the New Hope Farmers Market board of directors.

The market, which is being organized by the nonprofit Northwest Community Farmer’s Market Connection, is set to open June 26.

Kristine Frey, the connection’s executive director, spoke for the Farmer's Market committee at Tuesday's City Council meeting, laying out the details of the upcoming market. The space will likely accommodate 40 vendors, with space for non-profit organizations as well. Frey also noted the success of New Hope's farmer's market: "In the first year we had 38 vendors and the second we had 62." 

Although specifics still need to be worked out, such as water requirements and liability coverage, having the New Hope farmers market two years in existence has made the planning much smoother.

"We would have our own liability coverage and each vendor is required to have their own coverage as well," said Frey. "Vendors are good about picking up after themselves. It is in their contract to take their garbage with them. … We know what to expect."

The market’s water requirements will be paid through booth fees.

Another goal of the market is to have another weekly event that will bring people together for food, fun and family. There will be monthly events, such as “Family Day at the Market.” Music and theater entertainment will also crop up as it has in New Hope's market, turning the farmers market into a hangout as opposed to a one-stop shop.

At least one member of the Farmers Market board of directors will be present from set-up to well after tear-down if anyone has questions.

“(The Farmers Market) basically runs itself after some time,” Frey said.

The Market Citizen's Committee is accepting applications from anyone interested in helping.

After the council approved the motion to begin planning the first Golden Valley Farmer's Market, Councilman Mike Freiberg smiled and said, "I think you're going to have instant success."

The farmer's market will underneath the Golden Valley water tower, across from City Hall. It will take place Sundays from June 26 to October 9, from either 8 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.