The ABC Farmers Market is planned for the 2017 season, with a grand opening scheduled for Friday, May 5. The new market, serving the North Idaho communities of Athol, Bayview, and Careywood, will be held at the Athol City Park Friday afternoons from 2-7 p.m. The market is a rain-or-shine event running through the season until mid-October.

Formed by a group of growers and producers, the market will offer locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, garden plants, artisan foods, specialty coffees, and handcrafted items. Located midway between the cities of Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, the market strives to serve the rural areas along the Highway 95 corridor and provide a seasonal attraction for tourists visiting Lake Pend Oreille and Farragut State Park.

“Our forming group met at a farm workshop last year, where we expressed interest in starting a new farmers market”, said Julie McKerracher, ABC’s president. “After several organizational meetings and a partnership with the city of Athol, things are coming together and we’re really excited about creating a new community marketplace to benefit both producers and consumers.”

Farmers markets are growing in popularity across the country as people become more aware and curious about where their food comes from. Products sold at farmers markets are typically produced within a limited proximity of the market and help to provide an economic boost for smaller communities and local farmers. The markets also offer unique or uncommon products that can’t be found in stores, as well as organically-grown produce.

The ABC Farmers Market welcomes new vendors for the coming season and is offering a rate discount for earlybird registrations. For more information please contact Julie McKerracher at 208-818-0208, email abcfarmersmarket@gmail.com, or visit the market’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ABCFarmersMarket.