The Columbia Falls Community Market has seen a change in leadership. President O’Brien Byrd has stepped down and will no longer be involved in the market.

Byrd has been president for the past six years, but said his family is taking precedence.

“My kids are getting older,” he said last week. He has two children in high school now and the youngest is 11.

Byrd also said it was time for new blood in the market, which has proven very popular.

“It reached a point where my creative juices ran out,” he said.

To that end, Jami Smith will be the new director and Melissa Ellis will be the new president. Folks who have questions about the market or would like to be involved with the board or other activities can contact Ellis directly at (406) 260-7084 or by email at [email protected]

Ellis, who also runs the climbing wall at the market, said no changes are planned this year.

“The current board and committee has done a phenomenal job,” she said.

Byrd notes the non-profit market pays no rent for use of the The Coop and his liquor store doesn’t profit from it, either.

As an aside, there is now live music at the market and the beer garden has also reopened, though dancing isn’t allowed due to social distancing requirements.