Market marks 20 years, plans Saturday fete

By YADAMSUREN BORCHULUUN of the Tribune’s staff
Story ran on Wednesday, June 14 2000

The Columbia Farmers Market is 20 years old and will celebrate with music, animals and puppet shows from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The anniversary comes at a time of transition for the market, which is taking steps toward a permanent building alongside the planned community recreation center at Clinkscales Road and Ash street. Though the idea has been around for seven years, real progress has only begun this year.

"It is a slow process for the permanent building," market board president Dan Kuebler said. "We are coming closer to it step by step. We are in the preliminary stage of the fund-raising."

Market leaders plan to pick an architect within a couple of weeks and are talking to city officials about use of the old fairground property.

Operating in the open air throughout its existence, the market has sometimes suffered with the whims of weather.

"The market is too dependable on weather," manager Ben Riesenberg said. "The permanent building would give a visibility and more recognition. … It will extend the season for the market and help the market to take place whether it is raining or shining."

Market vendors will hope for sunny skies on Saturday. They’ll offer the usual abundance of garden produce, plants, baked goods and crafts, plus live music by "James Camp and Friends" and puppet shows by Lavender Moon Productions.

There also will be a baby goat and a lamb for children to pet. And animals from the Central Missouri Humane Society will be at the market. Kids who find potential pets can adopt them later at the humane society.
"We are very excited with the celebration," Riesenberg said. "We would like to make it really festive and fun."
Rick Goodman, former president of the market, said it has brought many benefits to the community over the past 20 years.

"The market is very beneficial both for farmers and consumers," he said. "It keeps farmers in business, providing a place for them to sell the products. People get very fresh food, which is not available from anywhere else unless they grow themselves. It is a real good outlet and a nice gathering place for social interaction."

Riesenberg said the market "supports the local economy and people of Mid-Missouri." Its vendors sell products made or grown in Boone or seven adjacent counties.

"It is very environmentally sound," Riesenberg said. "Less gas is used because the products are shipped a much shorter distance."