After being denied a place at the local nonprofit farmers market in Forest Grove, Ore., braided rug vendor Wynter Kaiser and six other crafters decided to start her own flea market in town. With the help of the City Club of Forest Grove, a local group of business people, she started the Artisans in the Grove flea market. The business-friendly group proved invaluable in helping with permits and liability insurance, as well as with adding the market to an existing monthly street fair.
“The USDA requires that farmers’ markets focus mainly on produce vendors,” says Wynter. “Only 25 percent of booths can be non-produce. If they have seven produce vendors, they can only have three other non-produce vendors.”
Local government was also supportive of starting a craft-focused market, from the city manager on down, according to an area news report. “I did feel very strongly that if we had a number of artists that wanted to show their wares, it could be a real positive,” city manager Michael Sykes told the OregonLive.com organization. “We try to help bring people and commerce downtown.”
The new monthly market launched June 1, and, according to the market Facebook page, the first objective of the market is “providing a low-cost opportunity for local artists (crafts, music, textiles, performers … you name it) to share their talents with the community.” If the market takes off, organizers are considering making it weekly. The cost for a 10×10 space is $10, or as little as $4 for a shared booth. The July market attracted 30 vendors. For more information about Artisans in the Grove or to apply for a booth, contact Wynter Kaiser at (503) 975-4107 or e-mail artisansfg@gmail.com.
Photo credits, with thanks: Artisans in the Grove flea market.