While Magnolia Farmers Market organizers say something, or someone, has got to give if the neighborhood is to see its market open in 2011, the same organizers are confident that the community will step up.
Last week, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) announced the Magnolia Market, which it owns and operates would have to shut down unless it became self-sufficient. Executive Director Chris Curtis said the Columbia City and Lake City markets were also losing money, but of its seven markets, Magnolia was the worst off. Curtis said Magnolia gross income and vendor sales dropped by 25 percent. Some vendors have since dropped out.
"We really haven't come across this situation before," Curtis said.
Since its inception in 2003, the Magnolia market has been subsidized by the NFMA's more profitable markets, particularly its flagship location in the University District. The organization's board members were fine with the situation and accepted it. But, Curtis said, that was before the economy soured and the farmers market scene grew to more than 19 markets citywide. So this year the board of the nonprofit said the market would have to make money in 2011 or be closed.
To stay open as it is, in the parking lot of the Magnolia Community Center and Catharine Blaine K-8, the market would need a financial commitment of $20,000 from the community. That would ensure an average of 32 vendors a week, weekly programming and special events (kid's events, chef's demos, music, etc), staffing, coordination, permits, insurance, promotion and outreach.
Another option is to relocate the market to 33rd Avenue West, which would bring the market closer to the business core, but require a street permit and necessitate the employ of street security. This option, Curtis said, would require a financial commitment of at least $35,000 from the community.
While a move may bring more business and pizzazz to the market, it may not be enough.
"People think that moving it over to the Village would light a fire under it," Curtis said, adding that street permits have been substantially reduced last year from $5,000 to $300. "We moved the Columbia City market to the street and it ended up costing us $18,000."
Yesterday evening, Curtis met with members of the Magnolia Community Club to discuss options, the results of which were unavailable by press time.
How the market began
The Magnolia Farmers Market began in 2003 following a request by the neighborhood for an opportunity to buy local food direct from farmers. The organization has been working in the past few years to close the gap between expenses and income at this market, but a continual drop in annual sales has hampered that effort. The NFMA will now rely on the neighborhood to invest in this market if it is to remain in operation and serve this community. Local groups and individuals that are currently being apprised of the situation and asked for input include: the Magnolia Community Club, Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, the Magnolia Community Center Advisory Council and King County Councilman Larry Phillips. If you would like to be part of the discussion, please contact the NFMA office at (206) 632-5234 or nfma@seattlefarmersmarkets.org.[[In-content Ad]]
