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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Spokane Public Market set to open in May

Wayne McMorris, center, shows blueprints for the Spokane Public Market to David McCullough of Susie David's Cattle Company and an unidentified woman. McCullough, who sells beef raised on grass and grain at farmers markets, said he is looking forward to the public market giving him a permanent, year-round, indoor venue. (Pia Hallenberg / The Spokesman-Review)
By Pia Hallenberg piah@spokesman.com(509) 459-5427
The Spokane Public Market will open downtown around May 18. It will feature growers selling fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs and bread, as well as artisan wares and ready-to-eat meals. Vendors, supporters and board members got together for the announcement this morning at the indoor market’s new location on the corner of West Second Avenue and South Browne Street. “Sustainable agriculture is what this institution is all about,” said John Hancock, interim executive director of the Spokane Public Market. “Here you’ll be able to buy your food from people who have a story to tell you about it.” The market, which will share a building with Sun People Dry Goods, will be open Wednesday through Saturday year-round. The 21,000-square-foot building was the Roses ‘n’ More warehouse, and it’s owned and developed by Pacific Bridge. The market has a 15-year lease agreement with the goal to purchase the building in 2014. Hancock said $400,000 needs to be raised for building improvements. Hancock explained that local, in a Spokane Public Market context, means from the state of Washington and its bordering counties. About 40 vendors have signed up for market stands so far and 100 more are interested. The market will not replace other area farmers markets, but it will provide an extra outlet for farmers and growers. “It gives me a stable, year-round venue,” said David McCullough of Susie David’s Cattle Company. McCullough sells beef at local farmers markets and just added 150 hens to his farm so he can sell eggs. “We’ll continue to be at the other markets, but this is a great addition to what we already have,” he said.