Havre Daily Staff
The summer sun is shining and gardens are growing meaning S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Market is just around the corner. A favorite among locals and a draw to those passing through, S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Market creates an energetic connection for the community, farmers, tourists and businesses. The Market takes place from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday starting July 12 and running through Festival Days weekend, Sept. 20 at the Town Square. "Early birds are welcome, and crafters are encouraged to participate along with gardeners and bakers," said Deb Vandeberg, executive director of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates the annual farm to table fairs. "This is a great opportunity for area crafters to showcase their talents, too. "Participants in the market need to bring whatever they need to conduct business such as a canopy, table, chairs, et cetera, and they need to be aware that there is no power provided," she added. "The market is an important part of the community. It provides a safe, healthy, weekly event in the downtown neighborhood. It is enjoyed by many from families to travelers passing through or visiting Havre. Often, just seeing the market going on gets people to stop in town who otherwise may have kept driving. "The market place also provides community social benefits," she said. "It is a gathering place for all ages to mingle, for neighbors to get to know one another, for vendors and customers to network." Farmer’s markets across the country areReported to be playing a valuable role in promoting healthy local economics in communities. In countless rural areas, they provide a viable economic opportunity for local residents to market their goods and create an accessible, social atmosphere for the community. "Farmer’s markets provide an atmosphere that celebrates locally produced goods,” Vandeberg said. "Markets encourage customers to spend money on locally produced goods, which keeps money in the community, thereby supplementing local economics. Farmers markets also have the potential to highlight what is unique about communities. Shoppers see what is available locally, meet the growers and artisans and crafters. The ability to highlight the flavor and character of the local community is one of the great pluses of farmer’s markets." Prior registration, including a nominal fee, is required to to sign up as a vendor for Havre's S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Market. For more information or to participate, call the Chamber at 265-4383.
