New Ida Farmers Market seeks vendors

IDA — Amanda Sharp has plans to bring a seasonal, open-air market to Ida and she’s looking for vendors.

Next month, the owner of Pressed Rose, 2828 Lewis Ave., is launching Ida Farmers Market with a goal to offer farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs, baked goods, and crafts.

She’s been brainstorming with Jamie Hunter, owner of The Rusty Cup, 2866 Lewis Ave., about possible ways to bring more money and people to the Ida community to help businesses.

Most mornings, the women meet and discuss all thing business. It was over a cup of joe that Sharp suggested the idea of a farmers market.

“That got the conversation started,” Amanda Sharp said. “Ida Farmers Market will be hosted by Pressed Rose. It will be located in a big gravel area next to Ida Township Park. Not too far off the road that you can’t see it but far enough off the road that it’s safe for kids to play on the playground while parents are shopping. It’s a really nice location.”

Pressed Rose will host the weekly event. Held from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, the market will run from June 1 through Oct. 26. During the month of October, a fall festival is planned.

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“Anyone interested in a space, whether they are a maker or a farmer, anyone that fits within the guidelines of the farmers market, can reach out to me in an email, pressedrosellc@gmail.com, for more information,” Sharp said.

Vendors will be required to bring their own tables and chairs and will have the opportunity to pick the Saturdays they choose to participate in. Vendors will have a flexible schedule.

“At this time, spaces are 10-foot areas and will be first come, first serve,” she said. “Vendors can get up to two spaces. I have an application for vendors to fill out. They have to acknowledge rules and regulations of the market and understand how vendors are chosen.”

Sharp said as long as space is available and the product meets the market's criteria, there is a lot of room for vendors.

“Currently, there is no seasonal commitment but I would love to see vendors commit weekly,” she said.

Because Sharp has a local retail business, she plans to manage the market rather than compete with the makers.

She wants the focus of the market to be bringing fresh produce, farm products, prepared food and artisan items to the Ida community.

“Ida as a community has so much nutrition and talent within our zip code that I’m really excited to see this market showcase that,” Sharp said. “It’s for the community by the community and that is really powerful.”

— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: New Ida Farmers Market seeks vendors