As the crisp air and colorful leaves settle into North Idaho, there’s no better place to embrace the season than at the Kootenai County Farmers’ Market. This fall, the market is once again offering a lineup of events that highlight the beauty of the harvest and the bounty it brings.
“Fall is a great time for the market!” Natalie Selbe, market manager, smiles. “Produce is abundant with all the summer produce still around, and then we add the fall favorites: sweet corn, potatoes, onions, and more. We’ve got pumpkins and gourds for everyone! Fall treats come out heavy with apple and pumpkin treats. Our craft vendors have been working on their usual wonderful products but also bring out the crocheted hats, sweaters and scarves.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28, and head over to the market’s Hayden location at the corner of Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue, which will be decorated with straw bales and corn stalks. From 9am to 1pm, the Fall Fest will be in full swing, welcoming market-goers with a fantastic variety of fresh, locally grown produce, handcrafted artisan goods, and delectable eats from local food vendors. For families, there’s a lineup of seasonal fun, from pumpkin painting to scarecrow making and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. Add live music from local band Monroe Bridge, and you’ve got yourself the perfect fall outing.
The festivities don’t stop there! On Saturday, October 12, the Hayden market will host its Customer Appreciation Day. “This day is a day where we acknowledge all of the customers who have supported the market and the vendors through the season,” Natalie shares. “The vendors pitch in and make warm soup, bread, pastries and coffee to serve for free to the customers. Musician Rusty Jackson takes to the stage to bring live music during the market. It’s a cozy way to celebrate the end of the season while savoring the flavors of fall.
To wrap up the market season, don’t miss the annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 3pm. Most of the market’s vendors, and food court, will be lining Riverstone’s Main Street in Coeur d’Alene. “There’ll be trick-or-treating at many of the booths, and folks are encouraged to come in family friendly costumes,” Natalie adds. This final Saturday market is more than just a farewell; it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty and a chance to stock up on all your fall favorites. Daniel Hall will be performing live as well.
“Fall at the market is a great time because it’s a little slower around the market. There’s room to browse and you can take your time. Parking is less busy too!” Natalie notes.
The Kootenai County Farmers Market has something for everyone this fall. Whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh produce, support local artisans or just take in the autumn ambiance, these events are the perfect way to celebrate the season. For more details and to check out a list of vendors and entertainment, visit KootenaiFarmersMarkets.org.
And there’s great news come the colder months! The Kootenai County Farmers’ Market will also be holding a few markets over the winter at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Mark your calendars for their Winter Market, which will take place Saturday, December 7, followed by their Cabin Fever Markets the last Saturday of each month January through March (January 25, February 25 and March 29). These markets promise all the vendors you know and recognize from the regular market, but inside at the fairgrounds.
