PRESTON — The Preston Farmers Market kicked off its third season June 3 and will run every Wednesday through Aug. 12, board president Melanie Keller said.

This is the first year the market has operated weekly for its full run. Previous seasons alternated between every other week and a first-and-third-week schedule as organizers tried to build consistency, Keller said. The market wraps up before school starts at the end of August, since school and sports tend to shape the community's calendar.

A sister market in Franklin will open for its second year on Friday, July 11, and run on Saturdays through Sept. 26. The Franklin market leans more toward agriculture, featuring growers and producers rather than commercial vendors.

The market's roots go back to a planning committee meeting where Preston city officials sought residents interested in starting a farmers’ market. City leaders made clear they wouldn't run it themselves.

"The city's not going to do it, so the citizens have to do it," Keller said.

A five-person volunteer board was formed at the University of Idaho Extension office in Franklin County, with help from Brackton Henderson of the extension office. It took about three months to organize the first market, from late March to June.

Startup funding included $500 from the city and $1,000 from the Lions Club, along with donations from Standing Rock Ranch and other local businesses.

The board used the money to incorporate, register with the Idaho Secretary of State, obtain business licenses and an IRS tax ID, and set up a PO box.

The Lions Club also sponsored banners for the market. Organizers advertised through mailers sent to every home in Franklin County, along with flyers and posters.

The board remains 100 percent volunteer and does not draw a salary, Keller said, with proceeds reinvested into the market and its advertising.

Shoppers can expect three to five food trucks along with local entertainment and a DJ most Wednesdays. Vendors sell cut flowers, baked goods, crocheted and sewn items, pottery, stained glass, paintings, goat milk soap, herbs, teas, beef tallow creams, sourdough and jams, along with handspun wool goods.

New vendors must apply through the market's website. The market limits duplicate product types given its smaller size.

Mid-season additions are typically limited to agricultural producers with fresh produce, such as new potatoes, peas or early apples, Keller said.

A spring freeze hurt this year's peach, apricot and cherry crops, though melons are expected soon. CNH Farms sells at the Saturday market in Franklin, and Jeff Hobbs runs his own stand nearby with melons, corn and beef.

On Aug. 1, market vendors will donate items to a Shoshone Village trading post near the Oneida Academy, with proceeds going toward the next phase of the academy's development.

The market's youth vendor program has drawn 24 young entrepreneurs this year, with six to 14 typically selling their handmade goods each week. Sponsors cover the youth vendors' booth costs.

"We just, we're looking forward to new and innovative things," Keller said. She encouraged community members to consider planting gardens or building greenhouses to strengthen local food supplies.

The Preston Farmers Market is held every Wednesday through Aug. 12.