New Marketplace coming to Leader

By Joan Janzen

A new marketplace venture is taking shape in Leader on 1st Avenue, across from the post office. Sandhills Credit Union has purchased the naming rights for the Marketplace for a 10-year contract for $10,000. Becky Ellis, Chief Executive Officer at Sandhills Credit Union, explained that the funds will be used for the cost of building and operating the Marketplace.

“This is new,” Becky said. “An outdoor farmer’s market with six booths, a seating area and gazebo, which could eventually run from Thursday to Sunday during spring, summer and fall. It sounds like it will really come alive, to be something great for the community.”

Lee Elsasser, from the Leader Chamber of Commerce is leading the way in making this venture come alive in the community. She said the supplies needed to construct the booths have arrived. “The booths will be made out of galvanized steel, almost like a dugout appearance,” Lee explained. There will be six self-serve, covered booths, which will be equipped with electrical, as well as a picnic area where customers can sit and enjoy coffee and snacks.

“My vision is we do an evening ribbon-cutting,” she said, although the date of opening has not yet been determined. The Marketplace will start off by opening every Thursday. Lee already has some great vendors lined up and has some exciting ideas for the near future.

Those ideas include musical performances, pop-up shops for teens and kids who want to try out their entrepreneur skills, the sale of homemade delicacies, and providing a venue for home-based businesses and food trailers. She also envisions the Marketplace providing a place where people can sit and enjoy coffee, snacks and food provided by local businesses.

“I’m excited about it!” Lee concluded. She looks forward to the community joining her in the excitement.

Proposed design of a Marketplace Booth in Leader.