The relocation of Nelson’s Wednesday farmers market is temporary, for now.
The City announced on Thursday that the market, which is usually held on Baker Street and was set to begin again for the season on June 4, will be held at Cottonwood Falls Park instead this summer.
Director of Corporate Services Sarah Winton says there were considerable safety concerns for both community members and vendors at the Baker Street location due to a substantial amount of construction this year.
“There’s a considerable amount of construction happening at the moment and that will continue throughout the rest of the summer. So we thought that by moving it down to Cottonwood, we would avoid any safety issues related to that.”
The City issued notice of the relocation a week before the market was supposed to start up again for the season.
While the City apologizes for the short notice, Winton notes that council and staff had been weighing their options for months.
In March 2025, vendors were asked to participate in a survey asking what amenities they’d like to see available at the market.
Winton says the feedback showed a need for amenities that could only be provided at Cottonwood Falls.
“What they wanted, we could not offer on Baker Street, and the construction layered on top of their wants and needs. We started to really talk about how the market was going to operate successfully since March and then made a final decision. Sadly, we did not notify the vendors as timely as we would have wanted to, but we did let them know.”
Vendors and community members took to Facebook to voice their frustration about the relocation and the lack of notice.
A petition was started to “Keep the Wednesday Nelson Farmers Market on Baker Street,” which as of Friday, had over 500 signatures.
The City is aware of the petition, and Winton says while the feedback is appreciated, it’s unlikely to have any impact.
“It’s always good to get feedback from the community, vendors, businesses, and visitors, but I think we have to keep in mind the safety issues and the amount of construction that’s going on downtown. Because of the construction, I’m not sure there’s much we can do, although we do appreciate hearing from the public.”
The relocation is temporary at this point. At the end of this year’s market season, Winton says the City will review the vendor waiting list and market usage on Wednesdays before reassessing the location for 2026.
“We have a really good turnout on Saturdays and a great turnout on Wednesdays on Baker Street, so we’re hopeful that the public will continue to support the farmers market, even though it is located at Cottonwood Park.”
Wednesday market vendors have been invited to a Zoom meeting with the City on Monday at 1 p.m., where they will be able to ask questions and address their concerns.
While she understands the community’s disappointment, Winton hopes the public will continue to support the market and local vendors despite the location change.
“I just want to remind the public to support the market in general, no matter where it is. It’s really wonderful that we can even have a farmers market in such a small community, and it supports the community as well as the producers and artisans by just going and hanging out at the market.”
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