SANDPOINT — Both Cara Johnson and Olivia Gonzales had just begun new jobs when inspiration struck. 

In early 2025, Johnson was set to become the next garden and seed library coordinator at the East Bonner County Library, while Gonzales was stepping up to become the next manager of the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market. As the two friends found their path, an idea to bring a winter version of the farmers’ market came about in late summer. 

"It was just an idea that sprung up through our friendship,” Johnson said. “It just kind of made sense to us that the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market and Sandpoint Library — these two community hubs — would bring a winter gathering place together.” 

With the idea for an indoor market set in place, the two began floating the idea to vendors and library executives alike.  

“We both knew we would work well together and had similar vision, so then we brought it back to our people and our boards and it was met with a resounding, ‘Yeah go for it.’” Gonzales said. “Everybody was just ready, it was time.” 

So, it was decided that the first of four winter markets hosted by both organizations will be held at the library Nov. 22. Craft vendors, bakers and farmers will pack the halls of the library bringing seasonal goods for attendees to purchase and enjoy. 

Gonzales said the farmers’ market will continue to bring in live music, creating the cozy atmosphere of the summer event. 

“It’s a celebration of our community and the values of these two organizations,” Gonzales said. “[We will be] creating a welcoming space for the community to gather, support small businesses and local goods.” 

Since the event is cosponsored by the library, Johnson said the event needed to have a free component for all to enjoy. At every market, the library volunteers will be hosting different seasonally related activities and offering complimentary coffee and cider. 

Johnson said for the first market in November, staff will walk attendees through creating a gratitude centerpiece before Thanksgiving. In the following months, attendees will be able to participate in a gift-making group, seed exchange and chocolate making. 

“Anyone can come in and make one, we’ll have all these beautiful natural objects that we’ve collected,” Johnson said. “We’ll have hot glue guns and a whole station for people to create something for their table to take home.” 

As of early November, the duo has been working together around the clock to put together the market’s final layout. Gonzales said she’s been up-front with vendors that during this first year there could be some bumps in the road but added they were very supportive of the idea.  

“It was a resounding yes,” Gonzales said of the vendors' support. “They were excited to have a way to offer their good to the community through winter.” 

The idea of bringing back the winter market was one of Gonzales’ main initiatives once she took over the helm of the farmers’ market. She recalled a one-off event the farmers’ market held at the Bonner Mall several years ago and loved the idea. 

Gonzales said the events aren’t a one-off planned for this season and hopes to continue them into the long-term. Farm vendors specifically said next year they’ll be able to plan for a winter market, which will allow them to offer more fresh produce. 

"It’s going to be a building year for it, and we’re excited to grow as the years go on,” Gonzales said. “Similar to the way the [farmers’] market has grown over the years.” 

The winter market will be hosted at the East Bonner County Library once a month from November through February on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information can be found at sandpointfarmersmarket.com.