11/08/2026
SAVE OUR DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE FARMERS MARKET
If you haven't heard already the city of Eau Claire is increasing the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market lease of the Phoenix Park Pavilion 217% from the previous lease. Due to this substantial increase in rent, many vendors will either be unable to participate in the market or have to raise prices significantly. The lease is the major portion of what a vendor pays for a stall fee. With less vendors participating there will be less revenue increasing fees even more for those remaining. This could potentially cause any vendor from not participating and therefore the end of the downtown market.
The downtown Farmers Market is a huge attraction in Eau Claire with Saturday markets bringing in up to 5000/day and the Wednesday and Thursday markets make local food shopping convenient for many in our community. The selection of produce, bakery, meat, honey and many other treats are all in one place. Each Saturday has live music, food trucks and a view of the beautiful river. This also is a platform for many small businesses to exist.
The Market has served this community for decades in Eau Claire. Market vendors contributed $50K and raised an additional 50k in the community (total 100k +) for the construction of the pavilion at Phoenix Park. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market strengthens our local food system and downtown economy.
I can't imagine a summer without the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market but this is the reality we are facing. We are asking for your support. Monday, November 9, the City Council is having a public meeting 6pm City Hall 203 S Farwell St and a open forum for citizens to comment on concerns in the community. We are proposing lease fees to make our market feasible for small businesses to participate. We would greatly appreciate you to come and support the market. Its future may depend on it
