The Columbia Falls Community Market will kick off its 10th season this Thursday starting at 5 p.m. at the grounds adjacent to St. Richard Catholic Church on Highway 2.

The market will then run every Thursday night through the summer, with the last market Sept. 25.

There’s a new excitement this year, as the market is hopeful to buy the 3.5-acre site from the Boys and Girls Club.

Fundraising efforts will start in earnest in the coming weeks, noted market director Melissa Ellis. Donations can be made during market days in person, online via the markets website, or by contacting them directly at [email protected].

“This will give us a permanent home,” Ellis said.

She noted the market is all about community and the eventual vision for the land is another park, like Marantette Park.

The market already has several amenities, including a sand box for kids to play in and a large tent for musical acts and dancing. They’ve also added a new stage donated by SmartLam of Columbia Falls and have added another entrance at the southwest end of the property.

Paveco  donated materials for the sand box and Harris Hauling donated sand for the box.

The market, like the Boys and Girls Club, is a 501(c) nonprofit. It moved to the site last year and leased the land from the Boys and Girls Club and is leasing it this year as well.

The market draws housands of people. 

The market this season has about 65-plus vendor spaces and has received 145 applications to date. Vendors include everything from local farmers and craftsmen to local food trucks. Split Rock Beverage Services is the market’s new alcohol/bar vendor.

People are asked to please leave dogs and other pets at home.