Three farmers’ markets in Maine have permanent pavilions: Augusta (built in 2012), Presque Isle (built in 2016) and Madawaska (built in 2018). The Augusta Farmers’ Market at Mill Park and the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market at Riverside are both located in in-town parks, and the Madawaska structure is in a busy retail area in the town.
Benefits of permanent structures:
- A permanent structure is a constant reminder to the community about the farmers’ market.
- The building provides shelter from sun and precipitation, and can withstand the wind and downpours that pop-up tents cannot.
- Lights installed in the ceiling make late afternoon markets in the fall easier to navigate.
- Pavilions typically have built-in electricity.
- The structure can be used for other activities on non-market days, such as concerts and family events.
- Paved substrate reduces dust.
- If a storage shed is included,
Disadvantages of permanent structures:
- Costs can be prohibitive, including land purchase, site preparation, and construction. Public-private partnerships can help mitigate these costs, but take time to build.
- Farmers prefer to set up around the edges of the pavilion (for drive-up access), which can leave a “dead zone” in the middle.
- The market layout is less flexible than when popup tents are used.
- Many vendors will likely still need popup tents for extra protection, whether they are on the sunny edge of the space, or under a waterfall off the roof on a rainy day.
- Anticipate increased insurance costs: Every market requires liability insurance, but adding a permanent structure adds property insurance costs.
Related links
- News report about plans to build structure in Presque Isle and related costs
- 2014 report on permanent farmers’ market structures from Smith College