PENDLETON — Each weekend people across Madison County head out to farmers markets looking for locally-grown, fresh produce or homemade crafts such as soap, art or furniture.
But, while people in Elwood and Pendleton have thriving markets every weekend, organizers for Anderson’s market have canceled the event indefinitely, citing issues getting vendors.
“While we have a small group of extremely dedicated vendors, the difficult weather season last year led to many of our favorite produce vendors closing up shop,” a post on the market’s Facebook page reads. “Due to time, prudence (believing that vendors should protect themselves and their customers with insurance), and personal reasons, I have chosen to step away from the Market.”
Cassandra Estle, who used to sell her homemade pillows, blankets and art at the Anderson market, said her biggest issue was the market’s several rules, which she said was far more intrusive than other markets.
The Anderson market relied on a three-strike policy that meant if a vendor broke three rules, such as missing a week or smoking in the booth, they would be banned from selling products, according to the website. The market also charged a $130 fee per season and required vendors to get a $1 million insurance policy, which costs about $150 a year.
Estle said these rules, particularly punishing a vendor for missing a week, is what made her decide to sell her products in Pendleton, even before the Anderson market was canceled.
“There are just too many rules, like you can’t miss even one day,” she said. “The first week my kids ended up getting pink eye, what was I supposed to do? I have a family and I just do this for fun.”
Estle’s father, James Estle, sells wooden furniture and cabinets and also wanted to set up shop in Anderson, but said he couldn’t afford the liability insurance.
The two, who live in Anderson, said they wished they could sell to people who are more local.
“It is nice to give back to the community, and I would like to be with my own community,” Cassandra Estle said.
Sara O’Donnell, who helps organize the Pendleton market, said most vendors do it because they want to better their community, which is why farmers markets are so important for building ties in a community.
“We feel like we are close, like we are part of these people’s lives, we are a part of their family,” she said. “Look at the vendors and you can see the passion in their eyes; they do it because they care.”
But, she said, although she doesn’t know any specifics, there were probably a lot of reasons why Anderson just can’t seem to set up a consistent market.
“Honestly, I don’t know what makes a market work,” she said.
Besides the rules, Cassandra Estle said another issue was with location. The Anderson farmers market used to be downtown, near the library, an area she said was “a little rough.”
The Pendleton market is in Falls Park, which is surrounded by grass and a playground.
That’s one of the main reasons that Lisa Abner loves the market.
“My 3-year-old loves playing in the park or with the ducks,” she said.
If they could find a better spot and look at changing some of the rules, Cassandra Estle said she would be happy to come back to Anderson.
“People always complain that there’s nothing to do in Anderson, so a farmers market would give something to do,” she said.