FARMERS' MARKET

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1982, The Great Falls Original Farmers' Market is a non-profit organization based in Great Falls, Montana. With the mission, "Growing Commerce through Community", the market is managed through a board of advisors and community input. The market begins every season in early June and runs through September, filling the streets of Downtown Great Falls every Saturday from 8:30am-1:00pm.

HISTORY

The origin of the Great Falls Original Farmers' Market dates back to the 1970’s when Hutterite colonies sold their produce door-to-door. In the late 1970’s a handful of Colonies and local farmers began setting up by the Civic Center and thus began the unofficial Great Falls Farmers' Market. In 1982 bylaws were adopted and the market became a non-profit trade association known as the Great Falls Original Farmers' Market. 

The Market started in Margaret Park on the north side of the Civic Center and soon expanded into Whittier Park on the south side of the Civic Center. Mike Winters, a former market manager, recalls when he became manager in 1993 there were 35-40 vendors and when he left in 2000 there were 110 vendors. As the popularity of the Market grew so did the number of vendors - expanding onto Park Drive and into the parking lot across the street known as the Downtowner Lot. 

Today the Great Falls Original Farmers' Market boasts it is the biggest and best farmer’s market in Montana with 135-160 vendors every Saturday. In addition, the Market has continued to expand their vendor resumes. We've grown into the biggest family-friendly social event in Great Falls. People come from all over the world to visit our Market with its wide variety of farmers, artists, non-profits and entertainment. Our unique, handcrafted items, baked goods, jams, jellies, syrups and honey are exclusive to our region. Food vendors offer ready-to-eat fry bread, crepes, mini-donuts, chicken-on-a-stick, and more for patrons to enjoy while they shop. Entertainers, pony rides and live music scatter the Market every weekend.

The Great Falls Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:00pm from the first Saturday of June through the last Saturday of September. With over a hundred vendors every week, there is something for everyone.