Alberton Farmer's Market open for the summer

ALBERTON – As warmer weather moves in to western Montana, Mineral County residents are eager to dig into their gardens. 

The Alberton Farmer’s Market began its fourth year May 15, providing locally made goods to the community. The weekly event on Thursday evenings seeks to bring people together with good food, weather and spirits. 

Farmers and vendors fill the Alberton Senior Center parking lot with folding tables and chairs. Some even sell out of the back of their trucks and tailgates. 

No permits or fees are required; those wishing to participate can show up and sell as they wish.

Right now, customers can come out and get starter plants for their gardens, flowers and locally produced honey and jams. The homegrown produce that has been sold so far includes asparagus, radishes and greens. 

Later in the growing season there will be tomatoes, sweet corn and cucumbers among other produce sold, said Iris Dalton, one of the event organizers. 

“It was originally started by a group of people with extra produce, plants and eggs,” Dalton said. “We’ve had a good response locally.”

Over the years, the event has expanded and has included as many as 12 vendors weekly. Live music is also not an uncommon feature. Various local bands and singers are often invited to add an ambiance to those browsing the different products being offered. 

Dalton said the market was awarded a grant last year, which was used to attract local entertainment. Although anybody wishing to perform won’t receive any pay this year.

People interested in the event have come from all over Mineral County and even from the Missoula area.

Dalton hopes the community is getting used to the event. She wants the community to attend as a social event.

It’s also an opportunity for people to come with their kids and utilize the park and the new folf course. The PEAK Foundation, or Promote Excellence in Alberton-area Kids has been trying to schedule events for kids in conjunction with the farmer’s market, Dalton said.

“We are trying to get it so our neighbors can come out and get fresh produce and good things to eat,” Dalton said. 

Local businesses in the area have also offered farmer’s market specials to help promote the event. In the past various non-profit organizations have come out to sell goods to help make money for their cause.

Gardening isn’t new for Dalton and her husband Jerry. The couple owns a greenhouse, which they use to grow the products they typically sell at the market. 

Dalton said the market encourages people with gardens to come and sell leftover produce. She believes the informal atmosphere of just showing up and selling will be enough to attract local vendors, and in turn encourage more to bring produce. 

In a few years, the Daltons hope that the Alberton Farmer’s Market will become another anticipated summer destination for those in the community. 

“I hope the event continues to grow as long as we consistently do it,” Dalton said.