CoMMunity
To Market, to Market!
The Eagle City Market brings top quality vendors and artisans to
the community.
by Liza Walton
photography Erick Jacky
e
very Saturday from the first weekend of May until the end much of the market’s success can be credited to market manager
of october, a small part of downtown eagle transforms into dean Burrup, who embraced the eagle arts Commission’s goals
a bustling, lively Farmers Market, complete with produce to coordinate, strengthen and promote public programs within the
stalls, fresh baked goods, artisan displays, and live music at the city to further cultural development. the market also helps to drive
heritage park gazebo. started by the eagle arts commission eight customers to brick and mortar downtown businesses. “local art-
years ago, the eagle City Market has experienced a 20% growth ists and craftsmen know about the market because it has an excel-
rate over the past four years, providing a pleasant, community cen- lent reputation,” Burrup says, adding that many of the market’s
tered shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. With an vendors live right here in eagle. “every year, between 40-50% of
average of 58 vendors each week, the market is second in size only our vendors are new, providing the community with an influx of
to the Boise farmers market in the treasure Valley. new artists.”
“Your regular customers become almost like an
extended family. It’s so different from the supermarket
experience.”—Ira Powers, Eagle City Market vendor
Burrup stresses that the eagle city market tries not to turn any-
one away as long as they meet the market’s criteria, which is that
they must have grown, produced, or made the product they of-
fer. “We don’t allow vendors who do wholesale buying and resale,
nor do we allow existing businesses with permanent locations, like
Costco, to participate,” he says.
the prospect of purchasing farm-grown, local produce is a draw
for the market’s customers. the market promotes buying locally,
from local produce, to arts and crafts. this year, free cooking class-
es will also be offered to shoppers, focusing on preparing simple,
healthy meals with fresh, local ingredients. linda Butler, owner of
Second avenue and an eagle arts Commissioner, was instrumen-
tal in creating this educational opportunity. two half-hour, hands-
on cooking classes will be offered with chef cordel knight at 10 am
and 12 pm every Saturday. Butler is excited about the new classes.
“We want the market to be a gathering place in the community
where people feel it’s their market,” she says.
among the vendors, one of the more popular “old-timers” is ira
powers of powers artisan Bakery in parma. he looks forward to
traveling the 40 minutes to eagle every Saturday, where he sells
artisan breads, honey, and fresh produce. “the eagle Market has
a less structured, more positive atmosphere than some other mar-
kets in the Valley,” he says, without naming names. “Your regular
customers become almost like an extended family. it’s so different
from the supermarket experience. i’m excited to see my customers.
it’s just fun.”
as an eagle resident and mother of three children under age
four, vendor annya dethman appreciates the market’s proximity
to her home. the former owner of good scents herb nursery in
Meridian, annya decided to downsize a few years ago and now
sells live herbs ready for garden transplant each week, as well as
fresh cut herbs and heirloom vegetables, including 25 varieties of
tomato. “i love experiencing the support of the local community,”
she says.
may | JuNe 2009 13
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