Small town, big heart

Small town, big heart

The Arthur Market

Live music, people laughing, the smell of fresh baked goods in the air - this is what you’re greeted with when arriving at the Arthur Market. These outdoor farmers markets held in Arthur, North Dakota, are events that both locals and people from all over look forward to each year. “The market provides an opportunity for the Arthur community and the immediate surrounding communities to come together in fellowship,” said Arthur Community Coordinator Jeremy Scott Nelson.

Nelson has been planning the Arthur Market since its start in September 2020. “My wife planted the initial idea,” Nelson said. “After I took the coordinator position, she said, ‘We should really have a farmers market.‘“ After the initial idea was brought up, it just took six weeks for Nelson to put together the first Arthur Market. From there, the market took off and has grown each year.

The market offers a variety of attractions for people who attend. The focus is on finding vendors who grow and produce their own items to sell. The market features edible goods such as homegrown produce, dried and canned goods, and food and drink vendors such as local breweries and food trucks. There are also a variety of artisan vendors that sell handmade products, such as seasonal décor, custom woodworking, crocheted items, and ceramics. Along with goods to purchase, each day at the market will feature live music from local bands to enjoy while browsing.

But the market isn’t just a good time for attendees. Vendors featured at the market get a pretty sweet deal as well. By attending the market, vendors get a chance to showcase their goods, make sales, and network with other small business owners. “I have a heart for small businesses and side-hustles, so providing a space and an event for them to connect with people and network is very energizing,” Nelson said. Although some vendors might become familiar faces if you attend all three dates, Nelson is confident you’ll still find new products each time you go. “There’s a core group of vendors at all of our markets. They do a great job of rotating their items to reflect seasonal changes, whether it’s the available produce, seasonal décor, etc.” Along with these core vendors, you will also find vendors who could only be at one or two markets. Every market day will be different than the last, so you can be assured that every day is worth attending.