It’s a wet and rainy December day in Moscow, but that doesn’t stop the Farmers Market vendors from setting up their booths early in the morning or the shoppers who have waited all week for their chance to purchase some local produce and trinkets.
Stacia Moffett with Stacia’s Kitchen man’s her booth the 2011 Winter Market at the 1912 Centre in Moscow.
The vendors show up early to perfect their stands of produce and merchandise while early-bird customers trickle into the market.
It’s the start of the Winter Market that takes place at the 1912 Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday in downtown Moscow.
The Winter Market provides a venue for local businesses to sell their products, whether that be a hand-made necklace or fresh winter produce from a nearby farm. The Winter Market is the winter equivalent of the “Moscow Farmers Market” that runs from May to October. Unlike the summer market, which is outdoors along Main Street, the Winter Market can fit 30 vendors into various rooms and balconies in the 1912 center.
However, the Winter Market offers less fresh produce due to the time of year but does provide local products. The Winter Market also hosts a food drive where market goers can bring non-perishable food.
The Human Rights Task Force sets up the food drive, with the food donated to help local families in need. The Winter Market also puts on a donation based gift-wrapping station for holiday presents. The proceeds will go to the construction fund for the 1912 Center.
In its ninth market season, the Winter Market is a great community event that is well received by the public, Max Holley, an event coordinator at the 1912 Center, said.
“There is a strong following for the idea of supporting small businesses and the local economy, which can be seen in the success of this market but also the summer-fall farmers market,” Holley said.
Jenny Kostroff, executive director of the 1912 Center, said the Winter Market is often a great way to buy local gifts for the holiday season instead of going to a large department store. Kostroff said the push for local products and produce is strong in the community, which keeps small business healthy.
There are only four more Winter Markets left and only one more market this year to buy holiday gifts, which takes place Dec. 8.
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]
nick beymer | courtesy
Stacia Moffett, with Stacia’s Kitchen, runs her booth at the 2011 Winter Market at the 1912 Center in Moscow.