Farmers markets in Boise and the greater Treasure Valley

The summer in the Treasure Valley is always a fun time of the year as the outdoors starts to call everyone's name. One of the main attractions for the Saturdays during the summer is the famous (to the locals) farmers markets. The markets are not simply about scoring the local food items or the wines but it is about the arts, crafts, and local mixtures of stuff that is offered at the markets that attract the people. So mark your calendars for fun-filled outings this year!

The Capital City Public Market is one of the Farmers markets in Downtown Boise. The market goes down to eighth street corridor and from Main Street to State Street all the way past the famous Capitol building. The beginning of the Capital City Market was in 1994; being the biggest in the State of Idaho. The amount of vendors varies between a hundred and thirty to a hundred and forty each Saturday. The vendors range from local farmers, cheesemakers to the crafty type such as jewelry artists, woodworkers and so forth. In 2016, the addition of food, drink, and new art vendors brought even more joy to the market.

Boise Farmer's market is another popular farmer market and has been open since 2013. The market is open on Saturdays from the times of 9 am to 1 pm April through October. The Boise Farmers Market is also set up Downtown Boise but between the streets of Tenth Street and Grove Street. The Boise Market has a great variance of artisanal food vendors, bakers, cheesemakers, farmers, wineries, and much more.

In the last couple years new vendors such as the AC&D Farms, Fiddler’s Green Farms, Ribier Gardens and much more. One of the most exciting booths will be the Sprouts Kids Club which offers all types of educational opportunities as well as cooking classes.

Eagle Market is every Saturday and is held from 930 am to 2 pm from April until October. The Market in Eagle is located in Heritage Park with a blend of art as well as food vendors. The Eagle market began by the Arts Commission in 2002 and is now under the new direction of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Prior to a couple of years ago, the focus of the Eagle Market was on arts and crafts rather than food and drinks. Due to the demand new food/drink vendors have been added in the last few years. One of those vendors being Boise Fry Company, BuckSnort Root Beer, Saffron Snacks and more.

Although, art and crafts have been the focus now it's with food and drinks. Art continues to be a huge part of Eagle Market. Vendors from the art vendors include Jewelry from Cheri Taliaferro, Refunked Junk, handcrafted purses, and more. In 2016, they even added a Gazebo Concert part to the Market that occurs the last Thursday of the month starting at 6:30 pm going to 9 pm May through September.

West Boise Saturday Market is new as of 2016 and runs from 10 am to 2 pm and from April to October. West Boise Market is promoted by Art Zone 208 and is set up on a grassy part next door to an art gallery and across from the parking lot of the Boise Library on the corner of Cole Road as well as Ustick Road.

The number of vendors ranges from twenty to twenty-five vendors and range from jewelry, honey, photography, candles, and clothing. Along for the ride is artisan chocolates. Food trucks offer up food to all those who come and vary by week.

Lloyd Square Park is the local farmers Market in Nampa, Idaho. The Nampa Market Started in 1989 and is held from Front Street through 1st Street South and then 13th to 14th Avenue South. At first the Farmers Market in Nampa was not a big hit; however, over time it grew and is now celebrating its 32nd year with over sixty vendors.

The founder Afine Relk started the Nampa Farmers Market in an effort to share the experience she had when growing up over in Holland. Both Afine and her husband John are proud of the excitement they were able to start and the legacy John left behind when he passed away in 2016. The farmers Market occurs from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. They start the market in May and end for the year in September.

Kuna Farmers Market is held every Saturdays except for August 4 as it is Kuna Days and runs from May to September. The Market is run by the president Liz Edwards. In addition, Edwards is a vendor at the Farmers Market, she owns and runs the booth from the Tin Can Cottage that offers embroidered items, eggs, leather goods, and much more. There ranges around seventeen vendors that are specific to the Kuna Farmers Market. One of those exclusive vendors is Zachary Jones who is known for his pastries such as pretzels.

To mix things up the Caldwell Market is open on Wednesdays from three pm to seven pm. The market is between the Indian Creek and the community College (Treasure Valley). The market continues to grow and is up to over twenty-five vendors who bring items such as baked goods, produce, artisans and much more including Organic Hippie healing items.

Meridian Main Market offers much to all the community things from produce from local farms, gardens artists, craftsmanship and youth. The focus use to be known as Meridian Youth Farmers Market and is now known as Meridian Main Street. Now it is more than just the local youth but has included entrepreneurs to expand the market to a large range of individuals and vendors.

No matter which market you want to go to you will find a large arrange of vendors, artists, and much more. Get out and enjoy the community to its fullest or even all of the markets and other communities around you. You will not regret it.