Livingston Farmers’ Market and Sacajawea Park

Fall, Summer

Like the daily trains that thunder through town, the untamed Yellowstone undulates through the heart of Livingston, on its journey east past the Montana Plains to the mighty Missouri. With its bountiful trout population and varied recreating opportunities, the Yellowstone River is an enduring natural feature bound to Livingston’s collective identity. This deep connection between town and river wouldn’t be possible without Sacajawea Park.

Sacajawea Park — Livingston’s Communal Playground:

A sprawling stretch of land skirting the Yellowstone for over a mile, Sacajawea Park grants easy access to the much beloved river. Furthermore, Sacajawea is a communal playground where young children delight in the many play areas, local students practice sports, families picnic under shade trees and friends gather for post-work camaraderie. It is the place people go when they need a respite but may not have the time to venture out into the vast Montana backcountry that surrounds Livingston.

Over the years, Sacajawea Park has evolved in conjunction with the city of Livingston, Montana. Trees have been lovingly planted and cared for, playgrounds have been constructed, flower beds have been tended to — all by the generous hands of citizen volunteers.

Today the park boasts a range of amenities for all types of visitors. At the east end of the park you have community baseball fields utilized by youth teams. At the opposite end of the park, large gatherings and family reunions take place under shady picnic shelters. Past the soccer fields and next to the tennis courts, parents with young children play in the castle-like “Pompey’s Playground.” Kids fish in the lagoon while adults cast away in the Yellowstone River, seniors feed the ducks, teenagers skateboard? the possibilities for amusement are nearly endless in this oasis along the Yellowstone.

Livingston Farmers’ Market — More Than Just Produce:

In the summer months Sacajawea Park hosts several festivals and special events. Between June and September there are unique — often free — functions in the park. The most popular gathering would have to be the Livingston Farmers’ Market, held every Wednesday evening from early June through September. Organized by the Western Sustainability Exchange — a local non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainable farming and ranching, open space and natural habitat — the Farmers’ Market has become a major social event in Livingston.

The market is held in front of the bandshell in a magnificent setting between the legendary Yellowstone River and the placid waters of Sacajawea Lagoon. Market-goers stroll through vendor stands — stopping occasionally to visit with friends and neighbors — as live music streams from the bandshell. Local producers from across the region present fresh, organic produce, grass-fed beef and lamb and natural pork to the delight of patrons; artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs offer a plethora of handmade items and services; food and beverage vendors purvey tasty dinner options; and local non-profits promote their causes in this vibrant community setting.

The 2010 Livingston Farmers’ Market season kicks off on June 2nd and runs through September 29th. The market is every Wednesday from 4:30 – 7:30 PM. Download a complete schedule here >

Beyond produce, food and live music, the Farmers’ Market has grown as an organization to offer many innovative community-based programs. The “Market Master,” Rob Bankston, along with other Western Sustainability Exchange staffers, has developed grassroots programs and events such as:

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program:
Providing $50 vouchers to low-income senior citizens to purchase fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, herbs and honey at the Farmers Market.

Young Entrepreneurial Stewardship (YES):
Through mentoring, local youth learn about business skills, money management and giving back to their community. Kids are provided a booth and guided through the process of taking products to market.

Other Special Events:
In addition, the Farmers’ Market will sponsor five special events in 2010: Kids Day, July 7th; Mental Health Awareness Day, July 21; Sustainability Day, July 28th; Livingston Health Day, August 4th; and Plein Air Art Day, August 11th.

In 2009 over 180 vendors participated in the Livingston Farmers’ Market and an estimated 1,000 patrons attended each week. The Market generated over $145,000 in sales for local vendors.

What started out as a way to provide local farmers and ranchers with a venue to sell fresh, locally produced foods, has blossomed into a dynamic community event for locals and visitors alike. The market is a unique celebration of summer in Montana — a special place for people to gather, eat and shop. If you’re looking for a genuine slice of Livingston, Montana, look no farther than the Farmers’ Market.

More About Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE):

Western Sustainability Exchange is a Livingston, Montana non-profit working to advance sustainable stewardship practices that foster a healthy environment, culture and economy in the rural West. Through outreach, education and partnership development WSE meets its mission: “To advance sustainable choices that enhance economic opportunities which preserve open space, wildlife habitat, farm and ranchlands, and quality of life for future generations.” To learn more about Western Sustainability Exchange, call 406-222-0730 or visit them online at www.westernsustainabilityexchange.org

About the Author:

Brad Bunkers, GoLivingston.com founder and editor, wears many creative hats. In addition to producing the Livingston travel guide, he owns the Livingston, Montana graphic design and branding company, Engine 8; maintains a Livingston fine art studio; produces the international arts journal, HoboEye; and sits on two non-profit boards. Visit engine8design.com or bradbunkers.com to learn more about Bunkers.