Group plans to continue downtown farm market

Next year's event is likely to start earlier.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- An effort to bring a little bit of the country into the city will continue next year.
The first downtown farmers market this year went well, and plans already are being made to bring it back in 2002.
"It was a wonderful first year," said market director Linda Kurtz.
The event was organized with the sponsorship of Salem Renaissance Inc., a private, nonprofit group of residents and business people dedicated to promoting Salem's central business district. The market's goals are to make locally grown produce and other items available and to draw people downtown.
Open every Saturday: The market was open every Saturday morning starting in mid June and ending the last Saturday in October. More than 30 vendors sold produce, crafts and other items.
Kurtz estimated that about 100 to 200 people showed up each Saturday.
Vendors paid a $75 fee for a seasonal vending pass or $10 for a one-day pass, with proceeds going to Salem Renaissance.
Next year's market is likely to feature some changes. It probably will start earlier, Kurtz said.
A May starting date is being eyed so vendors can bring in starter plants for gardeners.
The market also will seek city permission to tap into electrical outlets at the market site on a municipal parking lot near East State Street and North Ellsworth Avenue.
Electricity will allow vendors to sell foods that must be refrigerated, Kurtz said. Adding musical entertainment to the 2002 market also is being considered.
"We want to make it better every year," she said.
XAnyone wanting more information about the market may call Kurtz at (330) 332-3163.