Arts & Entertainment
Big Sky Farmers Market returns for 14th season


Published
2 years agoon


Q&A: Erik Morrison
By Tucker Harris
BIG SKY – A longtime community staple is returning fresh produce, art and other local goods to the streets of Town Center: the Big Sky Farmers Market is back.
Every Wednesday from June 1 through Sept. 28 the Big Sky Farmers Market will host an eclectic mix of local and regional farmers, professional artisans, community organizations and young artists and entrepreneurs. Erik Morrison, the town center’s events and marketing manager, has been helping grow and manage the market for the past eight years.
To Morrison, showing gratitude and making a point to look your neighbor in the eye to say hello is a piece of Big Sky culture that makes its market so special.
EBS spoke with Morrison about other unique components of the market as well as what to expect this year.
The following Q&A has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Explore Big Sky: Tell me about the history of the Big Sky Farmers Market. How many seasons has it been happening and how long have you been involved?
Erik Morrison: This year will mark the 14th season of the Big Sky Farmers Market. The market was originally started by the Town Center Owners Association’s Ryan Hamilton and Wendy Swenson. Wendy went on to become the marketing director of the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce and I came on in 2014 as a consultant to help manage and grow the market.
EBS: What do you think makes the market special?
E.M.: It’s the vibe at the market and throughout Big Sky that makes it special. It’s felt the moment you turn on Lone Mountain Trail and are welcomed by the stunning sight and powerful presence of “The Peak.” You can’t help but slow down a bit and smile as she holds your gaze. That smile will follow you most everywhere you go on the faces of locals and visitors alike. Here we look each other in the eye, say hello, show gratitude and take pride in our customs and this place we call home. That vibe is the beating heart of Big Sky’s mountain culture and it beats strong at the market.
EBS: How would you describe the culture or identity of the market?
E.M.: The culture and identity of the market is as eclectic as the community that comes together every Wednesday to make it up. If you were on a tour bus of an all-time family band on their way to play an après block party and progressive dinner to help raise funds and awareness for community causes that matter and collided with a roadside produce stand and artisan festival … You might find yourself at the Big Sky Farmers Market.
EBS: What distinguishes Big Sky’s market from other farmers markets?
E.M.: I’d have to say it’s our balance and diversity of vendors with a focus on local and regional farmers, professional artisans, young artists and entrepreneurs, and community organizations. All of this is done with the goal of helping to foster and maintain a market that is true to our Big Sky mountain culture. This is no easy task. The market is constantly growing and changing with the growth of the community.
EBS: Are there any new vendors that you’re excited about having at the market this summer?
E.M.: We are looking to add some density to the venue that should allow for some new vendors. Look for some new faces and offerings later this summer.
EBS: Are there any changes this year to the market? What should visitors expect?
E.M.: In addition to live music at the Town Center Plaza, we are bringing back music to Fire Pit Park this summer. Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge is hosting music at the plaza and Lone Mountain Land Company is sponsoring the music at the fire pit.
We are also working with Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization, YES Compost and 406 Recycling to up our sustainability efforts and continue to strive toward a zero-waste event.
Besides that, the market layout will remain the same and run east from Town Center Plaza, down Town Center Ave. and into Fire Pit Park.
EBS: Anything else you would like to add?
E.M.: Thanks to all our sponsors and community partners who have worked with us to help make the market what it is today.
Tucker Harris is the Marketing and Events Coordinator at Outlaw Partners.


Upcoming Events
december, 2023
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Warren Miller Performing Arts Center 45465 Gallatin Rd 7:30pm | Free Each year the Arts Council of Big Sky brings a culturally rich artist to Big Sky for a multi-day
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Event Details
45465 Gallatin Rd
Each year the Arts Council of Big Sky brings a culturally rich artist to Big Sky for a multi-day residence in collaboration with the Big Sky School District. During their time at school, the artist works with a partner teacher to deliver two days of workshops that aim to help students build a deeper, authentic understanding of diverse cultures through the arts.
The Arts Council of Big Sky is honored to announce this year’s Artist in Residence World Champion Hoop Dancer, Jasmine Pickner Bell, or Cunku Was’te Win’ meaning “Good Road Woman” in Dakota. A member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe (also known as Hunkpati Oyate), Jasmine is the first woman to hold the hoop dancing Champion title, performing in her brother’s place after his death in a tragic car accident. Originally a male-dominated dance, Jasmine restores the masculine/feminine balance within the sacred circle. While the hoop dance is traditional amongst many tribes in the US and Canada, each tribe has its own origin story. The Lakota and Dakota people’s story is about being born from the Black Hills as a sacred healing dance.
The hoop dance has been described as “the renewal of the collective human spirit.” It is a dance of healing, connectedness, and prayer. Even though Jasmine is in constant spinning motion while she dances, she never finds herself dizzy because she is aligned with a higher purpose. As she’s passing each hoop through her body, she says, “Your prayers are being connected and lifted up. You’re not only telling a story through the designs of the hoop dance, but you’re also praying and healing the people who are in need at that time.”
Each of Jasmine’s designs has special meaning and significance. Some designs she creates from a dream or vision on a long drive. Others are family heirlooms, passed down with each generation. Each dance begins with one hoop, which represents yourself. Then, the dancer connects as many hoops as they can dance with or that completes the message they are aiming to share. This performance will be made in collaboration with 9th and 10th graders in Kate Riley and Jeremy Harder’s classes.
Education is central to Jasmine’s mission. From teaching kids and ensuring native traditions are not lost in today’s society, to bringing her audience on stage with her after her performances, she loves to share the hoop dance with everyone. As Jasmine says, “When you get done hoop dancing with me, you’re going to feel better. You’re going to go home and have a story to tell. You’re going to be able to share that story with your friends and family. And that’s what it’s about for me, and why I include the audience. Let’s connect together and really have that opportunity to share our hoops and leave here with a smile on our face.”
For Jasmine, the hoop dance goes beyond performance. It’s a way of life. Her hoops act as a metaphor to keep going when life gets tough. “Sometimes a hoop might fall and a design may fall apart. But you pick up those hoops, you keep going, and you keep dancing. No matter what, as hard as life gets, you’re going to still be able to jump through that hoop.”
We are so grateful for Jasmine sharing her gift with us here in Big Sky. This is not just a showcase or performance, but a way of life that is a healing dance. When Jasmine dances, she is also praying for those in need, dancing for those who cannot dance. Her dance incorporates her story, while thinking of everyone who needs prayers. Please join us in connecting and uplifting spirits in need.
Time
(Wednesday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd