Perhaps it is a human trait to see the world in terms of “us” and “them,” whomever those groups may be. However, there is no “us versus them” associated with the opening of the Riverside Public Market down by the courthouse, at least as far as members of the Presque Isle Farmers Market are concerned.
The Presque Isle Farmers Market is a group of local farmers who got together to try to enhance the marketing opportunities of each member. We have a set of by-laws that were voted into existence by the members themselves, and the members for the most part attempt to attend as many markets as possible through the entirety of the May to October season. Over the course of a decade, we have gotten to know each other as individuals and support all members as a group.
For much of that time, the management of the Aroostook Centre Mall has been a generous and gracious host. The mall allows us to use a section of the parking lot on Saturday mornings and even puts a notice about our market on the sign near the road. In return, we try to be good guests, picking up and cleaning up after ourselves and carefully avoiding direct competition with the paying tenants inside. It is for this reason that the Presque Isle Farmers Market remains committed to locally grown meat, dairy and produce without expanding to include artists, photographers, musicians, wood carvers, and other creative small businesspeople looking for a venue.
In the 10-plus years that the PI Farmers Market has been in existence, there have been a number of other markets. Some already existed; some opened since. In many cases, there is overlap in products sold or in management structure, but the entities almost never go head to head in direct competition.
The Riverside Public Market, the latest “new kid in town,” is no exception. It is the brainchild of a number of people and organizations who have been trying hard for a number of years to encourage a revitalized downtown. With the support of the city council, the USDA, and the PI Police Department, among others, creative artisans display and sell all sorts of items. They can pay a table fee on a weekly basis and be as much or as little a presence under the canvas roof(s) as they choose. Participants will likely include local farmers, gardeners, and growers who may or may not also be members of the Presque Isle Farmers Market as well.
With luck and hard work, the Riverside Public Market is expected to encourage folks to explore the number of shops and restaurants to be found on or near the Main Street of our Star City and thereby will help to revitalize the Main Street. This sounds like a winning proposition all the way around.
The members of the Presque Isle Farmers Market (us) wish venders at the Riverside Public Market (them) every bit of success. Any time local folks can find a way to support themselves locally is a good time for all.
The Presque Isle Farmers’ Market contact person Gail Maynard, who operates Orchard Hill Farm in Woodland with her husband, Stan. Their phone number is 498-8541 and their email is orchhill@gmail.com.
