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<br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Parks & Recreation Commission <br /> <br />FROM: Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator <br />DATE: November 2, 2023 <br /> RE: Farmers Market Overview <br /> <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Informational Update. No action is requested. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Little Canada Farmers Market has ended for the season. The dates of this year’s Market <br />were from June 12-October 9. There were 16 planned Markets, and one was canceled due to <br />inclement weather. Each Market had 200-300 people in attendance on average, which is roughly <br />the same as last year’s attendance. <br /> <br />VENDORS <br />We had a variety of vendors and goods for sale including: <br />• Fruits and vegetables <br />• Wisconsin Cheese <br />• Microgreens <br />• Elderberry drinks and other probiotics <br />• Spices <br />• Eggs <br />• Jams and jellies <br />• Honey and syrup <br />• Greeting Cards <br />• Soap and lotions <br />• Handmade Jewelry <br /> <br />We had 12 vendors apply for the Market and ended the Market with seven staple vendors. The <br />cost to be a vendor was either $170 for all 16 markets or $20 per market. Vendor fees go towards <br />signage (A-Frame signs, and Market yard signs), updated equipment (tents, tablecloths), and <br />marketing materials. After review, Staff is recommending increasing vendor fees to $180 for the <br />2024 season to remain consistent with other markets in the area. <br /> <br />SPONSORSHIP <br />This year the Little Canada Farmers Market had one sponsor, the Little Canada Recreation <br />Association (LCRA). The LCRA donated $1500 in 2022 for the Power of Produce Club (the <br />POP Club). In 2022, $678.21 was utilized of these funds ($332.21 to purchase POP Tokens, and <br />$346 from Market Checkins). This year we utilized $484 from their sponsorship, which leaves us