Market is a great addittion

Saturday was the closing day of the Thompson Falls Market and attendees enjoyed perfect fall weather, nearly 20 vendors, live music and a cinnamon roll contest that included some of the county’s best bakers (boy, those were some lucky judges!). We are fortunate to have a market that allows folks to come together from around the county to buy locally, display and sell their made/grown in Montana goods, and to just visit with neighbors.

My husband, Nat, and I have been active in the Market for three seasons by providing music on as many Saturdays as possible, and by being involved in many of the special event and non-profit organization days. We’ve met new friends, gotten to know many of our neighbors and been able to share what we do with all of them. The Market has been a great place to see new business ideas like long-lasting totes made from recycled plastic bags and a new local chicken farm. It’s been a good place to learn about several good causes like the Sanders County Historical Society, Friends of the Thompson Falls Library and the newly reorganized Sanders County Coalition for Families. In short, the Thompson Falls Market has been a great addition to our experience here in Sanders County.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Katrina and Mark Campbell, owners of the Falls Motel, for donating their property to host the Market and for all the hard work Katrina does to make each Market Day special for the vendors and participants. We’d also like to recognize several businesses that joined us in promoting the Market’s mission this season: Valley Bank, Ameriprise Financial, and Dr. Mindi Wilson and the TF Veterinary Clinic. We’d like to thank all the bakers, crafters, farmers and other vendors for joining us each week in our efforts to promote and encourage buying locally and buying fresh. 

So what’s the issue here? We all enjoy going to the Market, doing some shopping, and showing our support. Well, what we want to stress is that there is something else going on during these twelve Saturdays in the summer. The Thompson Falls Market is an element of economic development. Each and every time we (community members) make the decision to “buy locally” we are making a conscious decision to help the local economy stay steady and even grow a little.  The fact that this Market has grown and thrives proves that locally we can make a difference with each dollar we spend. Each and every one of us can positively contribute to the success of our communities.

As the holidays fast approach and gift giving season arrives, remember every $1 spent locally travels through the community at least four times. Each dollar spent in Missoula, well, stays in Missoula. We encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the Thompson Falls Market to mark your calendars for opening day next year, June 25, 2011.