By: Gary Mills
(Jun 30, 2009)
The original vision of the market was to develop a format that could nuture and encourage the growth of regional based farmers and a place for the community to gather. Those who have been involved with it over the past two decades have certainly accomplished that vision. Congratulations to the Shoemaker's and Blaser's for being some of the first original vendors.
Comment on this Review
As the 20th anniversary date (2nd Saturday of July) approaches, I remember what it was like in 1989 as I would phone farmers who were advertising in the classified ads and nearly beg them to come and participate in the market.
It has become a community icon, and I hope that the next 20 years are just as good and successful for supporting local businesses.
As the original developer and creator of the market, I wish to thank everyone who has supported it over the years, whether vendor or consumer.
Gary Mills Idaho Falls
Comment
Gary Mills initiated with others a promotional farmer's market event to bring customers to the Downtown Idaho Falls area many years ago. The event was phased out of that location after a short time. Some vendors carried on at a different location before setting up at the current KeyBank parking lot location approximately 18 years ago. He has not connected or been involved with market since that promotional event - yet he insists on finding sites about our market and introducing himself as 'the originator of the market'. It seems that it is his mission to obtain some kind of recognition as the market has grown into a large weekly three-season event in our community. He has not been involved in any way with the incorporation (1995) or growth of the Idaho Falls Farmers' Market. I would like to see this post removed. Thank you, Stephanie Gifford Market Manager Idaho Falls Farmers' Market