We are Hiring: Farmers Market Intern

The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is looking to bring on a Farmers Market Intern for the 2025 season. Someone in this role should be a strong communicator, team player, self motivated, adaptable, and organized. Experience in the areas of graphic design, marketing, content creation, customer service, or event organization is preferred. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to LMSA Program Coordinator Ana  Castro at coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org with the subject line INTERN APPLICATION by March 3rd, 2025. This is a part-time, seasonal position averaging 195 hours per season.

For more information about Laramie Main Street and the Farmers Market, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org  

The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is a weekly event hosted by Laramie Main Street on Friday afternoons from the last week in June through the end of September. The market provides access to locally and regionally grown produce, farm products, local artisans and non-profits. In addition to food trucks, drinks and food stalls, live entertainment provides a vibrant market atmosphere. The market’s goal is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs (from market to storefront), support food based manufacturing, drive traffic downtown, increase sales for local businesses, and create a sense of vibrancy within the Laramie community. 

Market Intern Position 

The Farmers Market Intern is a part-time summer position, with some preparation taking place in the spring. The primary responsibilities are assisting the Market Manager with the day-of operations of the Market, and creating Market promotional content. Please be aware this position requires a fair amount of manual labor, and you may be asked to lift up to 40 lbs. This position reports to the Market Manager. 

This position requires a weekly presence at the Friday Farmers Market between the hours of 1pm and 8pm from June 27th- September 26th (no market July 11th).

Spring: 

• Training for the position, and getting familiar with the market money system 

• Assisting with preparing materials for our SNAP food matching program

• Help with goal setting and event pre-evaluation

Summer:

Weekly responsibilities include:

• Work with Market staff to update and publish the weekly varying vendor map for both social media and google maps

• Oversee the Farmers Market Facebook and Instagram pages and create content (2-3 posts plus day of stories) on a weekly basis 

• Create impactful social campaigns to promote the farmers market 

• Coordinate with LMSA Communications Coordinator about posts on main LMSA social feeds

• Create content for specialized market events and music

• Capture photo and video at the market to be used in future promotional material 

• Oversee SNAP match program at the farmers market

• tracking of grant and moneys used for SNAP matching

• communicating program to community

• evaluate program effectiveness and suggest and implement improvements

• train volunteers and others on how to use SNAP EBT machine and exchange for market tokens

• Outreach to partner organizations and community spaces to promote SNAP match program

• Coordinate with SNAP EBT program as needed

• Assist with Sustainability efforts

• Assist Deb with PedalPalooza - a bike downtown event that encourages biking over driving to the market

• Develop sustainability days for 3 of the summer markets - how can we incentivize vendors and communities to use sustainable practices?

• Assist the Market Manager in Market set-up and tear down and day of operations including: 

• Set out market fixtures like market tent, trash, toilets, signage, and street barricades

• Help organize vendors into locations as they arrive 

• Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot

• Assist the Manager in collecting vendor fees and token exchange 

• Collect SNAP and other token transactions at the market table

• Communicate with vendors about updates, issues, and questions

• Close the market by breaking down market features

• Walk the market location and collect trash

• Assist in storing items neatly for next market use

Salary: $5,000 - which will be paid throughout the summer once per month.

We are Hiring: Farmers Market Manager

The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is looking to bring on a Farmers Market Manager for the 2025 season. Someone in this role should be a strong communicator, team player, self motivated, adaptable, and organized. Experience in the areas of event coordination, vendor relations, community engagement, team leadership, or crisis management is preferred. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to LMSA Program Coordinator Ana Castro at coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org with the subject line MANAGER APPLICATION by March 3rd, 2025. This is a part-time, seasonal position averaging 290 hours a season.

For more information about Laramie Main Street, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org  

The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is a weekly event hosted by Laramie Main Street on Friday afternoons from the last week in June through the end of September. The market provides access to locally and regionally grown produce, farm products, local artisans and non-profits. In addition to food trucks, drinks and food stalls, live entertainment provides a vibrant market atmosphere. The market’s goal is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs (from market to storefront), support food based manufacturing, drive traffic downtown, increase sales for local businesses, and create a sense of vibrancy within the Laramie community. 

Market Manager Position

The Market Manager is a vital contributor to the planning and coordination of the market and builds relationships with entrepreneurs and vendors.  It is a part time position with primary responsibility being the day-to-day operation of the farmers market in the summer. An ideal manager has strong communication skills, will work well with Laramie Main Street’s Farmers Market committee, the City of Laramie, as well as developing a close working relationship with the market vendors.  The manager has a flexible schedule regarding correspondence pre-season (spring).  During the market season (summer), the position includes an on-site presence at the market during all market hours, Fridays, 1 to 8 pm. The manager will report to the Market Intern and LMSA Program Coordinator, and work closely with the Farmers Market Committee Chair. In addition, the manager will represent Laramie Main Street and the Farmers Market to vendors, market consumers, and the community.

Market Manager: 
This role is primarily responsible for market duties during the event every Friday during the summer. They are the primary day-of contact and work directly with vendors during the market, as well as the rest of the market staff. Responsibilities of the Market Manager include:

Pre-season (Spring) 

• Contact past vendors about open applications

• Respond to emails regarding the application process

• Regularly check Market email account and respond or forward inquiries as necessary

• Complete required special event permit acquisition, coordinate with committee to help collect signatures (or put together newspaper notice)

• Complete requests for assistance from the City of Laramie:

• Waste 

• Streets 

• Parks

• Carry out Bid process for trash and toilets: reach out to contacts and make decisions on which companies to award bids 

• Correspond with bid winners to coordinate payment schedule

• Communicate payment schedule and requirements to Program Coordinator

• Coordinate with Disposal and toilet services about weekly cleaning schedule, make other market staff aware of this schedule

• Be aware of SNAP and other market sponsors and the recognition schedule

• Review vendor applications, build an initial vendor map and proposed vendor list; review with committee members

• Accept vendors and build waitlist for vendors not accepted 

• Contact approved vendors and survey them regarding their desires to grow/expand their business

• Create invoices in Square for market vendors who wish to prepay

• Provide information about LMSA and local economic development business services (see Small Business Handbook) to vendors

• Prepare a letter for vendors reminding them of updated rules and expectations

• Ensure the vendor application and payment options are available online 

• Confirm payment systems are functioning (EBT, Square, and PayPal) and set up any payment tracking systems for the season 

• Prepare a formal report to the committee about the upcoming market season

• Set market goals and complete event pre-evaluation in conjunction with market staff and chair

• Coordinate with committee and staff about appropriate marketing initiatives

Summer Weekly Duties

Must be available Fridays 1-8pm June 27th- September 26th, 2025 (No market July 11th)

• Check market email regularly and respond to email and phone requests for the market, or forward as necessary

• Work with and advise intern to put together a weekly varying vendor map 

• Deposit market fees and provide weekly income and expense reports to accounting and LMSA staff

• Oversee invoicing process through Square

• Manage waitlist and running vendor applications 

• Communicate with vendors about no shows and collect no show payments 

• Communicate with committee chair and co-manager about needs, issues and other pertinent information as necessary 

• Assist market staff with handling disputes as necessary

• Identify vendors who need assistance growing their business 

• Support interns with specialized projects and events

• Community education events 

• Create an updated manual for Farmers Market

* Many of these duties will be performed with assistance from the market intern position*

Post-season (Fall/winter) 

• Coordinate with committee about sending out follow up surveys for patrons, vendors, and downtown businesses

• Finalize any outstanding payments and prepare a final income and expense report for accounting 

• Prepare a formal report to the Board about the market season

• Follow up with businesses that are interested in growing beyond the market and connect them with the appropriate resources

• Working with market staff and committee to complete post event evaluation

• Attend wrap up meeting and make recommendations for the next season 

Salary: $10,000 - which will be paid throughout the summer once per month.

2024 Favorite Accomplishments

Each December, LMSA reflects on the year’s most notable accomplishments. In the midst of our fast-paced lives, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, celebrate, and appreciate the positive milestones we achieved together in 2024.

1. Facade grant program - In 2024, 9 businesses applied for and received funding for their facade improvements, maintenance or signs. Since the program started in 2023, Laramie Main Street has awarded $50,500 in grant funding to businesses with a total of $250,912 invested in preservation projects. Funding is in thanks to interest earned from our Paul Etchepare Endowment.  If you would like to learn more or apply visit https://laramiemainstreet.org/facade-grants
   

2. Parking improvements - Based on feedback from businesses and consumers, we’ve made it easier to park in the all day lots downtown. Thanks to local artist, Favian Hernandez, we’ve got the cutest new characters adorning our parking lot signs. Laramie Main Street hired Favian to bring the parking lot animals to life with bright and colorful illustrations. We also hired WyoLights to add some holiday sparkle to the parking lot trees. And perhaps you have encountered the parking fairy when you park in the all day lots - she’s been out all year gifting $10 downtown gift certificates to drivers who leave the on street spots for customers. Learn more about parking downtown at https://laramiemainstreet.org/parking

3. Dia De Los Muertos was a new exciting cultural event hosted by Main Street’s Program Coordinator on November 2nd. The community enjoyed music from a mariachi band, experienced a traditional ofrenda, decorated sugar skulls, broke a pinata with candy and supported Latin X vendors right in the heart of downtown! Read more about this year’s event at https://laramiemainstreet.org/day-of-the-dead

4. Presentation at Main Street Now 2024 - The Laramie International Flavor festival coordinators were invited to shared the event with downtowns from around the country at the Main Street Now 2024 conference in Birmingham, Alabama. Ali Grossman and Deb Ross presented the festival structure - showcasing how the event partners with UW, brings the international students and community together, and supports local restaurants too! Save the date for the next International Flavor Festival on April 8-12, 2025 - find more information at https://laramiemainstreet.org/international-flavor-festival

5. Farmers Market Season - The Laramie Farmers Market was the biggest and best yet! The market got a rebrand with playful lettering and fruit designed by Rocio Gomez-Scandoval. We had more vendors than ever with a total of 174 attending the market throughout the summer and fall. The Farmers market matched $1,459 worth of SNAP tokens thanks to our generous sponsors! This event continues to be a cornerstone of summer and fall fun downtown. Learn more about the event at https://laramiemainstreet.org/farmersmarket

Laramie Main Street Kicks-off the Holiday Season with a Holiday Parade, Train Lighting, and a Flurry of Remembrances of Loved Ones

Laramie Main Street is pleased to announce that the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is back in Downtown Laramie this Holiday Season! Additionally, Laramie Main Street invites the community to “Cause a Flurry” by purchasing snowflakes that can be named after a loved one!

Snowflakes for “Cause a Flurry” can be purchased on our website at laramiemainstreet.org/donate. The snowflakes come in various sizes and can be purchased at prices of $10, $15, and $25. They will be displayed in the First Street Plaza kiosk from December 2nd through the end of January 2025. Every tax-deductible donation will go toward Laramie Main Street’s projects and events that support the 300+ locally-owned businesses that call downtown home.

“This is a special time of year when our community gathers downtown, the heart of Laramie, to make memories with their loved ones. Thank you for supporting our local businesses as part of your holiday traditions!”

— Trey Sherwood, Executive Director LMSA

On December 6th, starting at 5:00pm, Laramie Main Street will flourish with holiday events and a cheery atmosphere. Live music and a holiday photo booth will be available for everyone to use! Our friends at the Laramie Soup Kitchen will be providing refreshments during the event and Laramie Main Street will unveil the flurry of support they received with purchased snowflakes.

Enjoy the beautiful train lighting and holiday music at 6:00pm in Depot Park, where refreshments will be available until 8:00pm. Shortly after the train lighting, the holiday parade will begin at 6:30pm! The parade will go along 1st and 2nd Streets from Sheridan to University Ave. The theme of the Holiday Parade this year is “Songs of the Season”, so make sure to stop by to witness a bundle of holiday spirit!

Trey Sherwood, the Director for Laramie Main Street Alliance, expresses her gratitude and love for this event stating, "This is a special time of year when our community gathers downtown, the heart of Laramie, to make memories with their loved ones. Thank you for supporting our local businesses as part of your holiday traditions!"

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as part of the State of Wyoming’s “Wyoming Main Street” program under the Wyoming Business Council, guided by the principles of the National Main Street Program. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org

Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Governor Gordon and a group of Wyoming Business Council staff, Wyoming Main Street advisory board members, and local Main Street staff and volunteers at the proclamation signing on November 14, 2024.

In anticipation of the holiday season and to support local businesses across Wyoming, Governor Gordon has officially proclaimed November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday, launched in 2010 by American Express, encourages consumers to shop at locally-owned businesses. For many small businesses, the holiday season represents one of the busiest and most critical times of the year. To support this initiative, American Express offers the Neighborhood Champion program, providing materials and listing organizations that advocate for small businesses. More information about Wyoming’s Neighborhood Champions can be found here.

Wyoming boasts over 73,000 small businesses, accounting for 98.9% of all businesses in the state and employing more than 64% of its workforce. In recognition of their vital role, Wyoming Main Street is partnering with local downtown organizations to promote small businesses and provide Support Local materials. Wyoming Main Street strengthens community capacity and fosters economic resilience by collaborating with grassroots organizations to revitalize downtown areas and create authentic, place-based experiences.

To explore Wyoming Main Street communities, visit wyomingmainstreet.org. Businesses and community organizations are encouraged to connect with their local Main Street program for information on local initiatives and available resources. For Support Local window clings and stickers, please contact Kayla Kler, Main Street Program Manager, at kayla.kler@wyo.gov.

5 Reasons you should shop small this holiday season

It's that special time of the year when our community comes together to show our support for local businesses. As the holiday season gets into full swing, you may often come across the phrase "shop small." But what does it truly entail? Shopping small means choosing to buy from local, smaller businesses, either in-store or online, rather than opting for large retailers. In a broader context, it signifies the act of nurturing our community by keeping our spending within it. This not only has a positive impact but also adds a delightful element of enjoyment to the shopping experience!

Here are 5 Reasons you should shop small this holiday season! 

1. You get unique shopping experiences - need help finding the perfect gift? Want to create something special? Need help wrapping? Small businesses offer these unique and helpful shopping experiences! You will not find these services in large retail stores.

2. You create memories and traditions with your family and friends - Special memories aren’t created just anywhere - choose to shop in our historic downtown where brick buildings line the streets and house so many of our friendly local businesses. Take pictures with the trains downtown, grab lunch while you shop, and visit a new business! It's not only enjoyable, but it might also mark the beginning of a new shopping tradition for you! 

3. You find hand-crafted and unique products - Numerous local businesses are either founded by or lend their support to local artists, craftsmen, and creators. This means you can discover one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, or locally-sourced products and services that are simply unavailable elsewhere!

4. You encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of our community - Supporting small businesses means supporting the dreams of our local entrepreneurs. These businesses are started by your friends, family, or neighbors who have a passion for their work and contribute to a vibrant business ecosystem. Let’s make sure our community is the best place to follow your dream! 

5. You make an impact on the community - Supporting small businesses in person or online means you keep your dollars circulating within our local economy.  Buying local keeps sales-tax dollars within our county, supporting the wellness of our Laramie community. Revenue captured locally supports city services such as parks, road and water infrastructure, as well as our local fire and police departments - your dollars go further when you keep them local!

This holiday season, we extend a warm invitation to embrace the happiness, influence, and enthusiasm that comes with shopping locally during Small Business Weekend and beyond.

~ Your Small Business Champions: Laramie Main Street, Laramie Plains Civic Center, and Visit Laramie

Laramie Main Street Brings Dia de Los Muertos to Life For the First Time in Downtown Laramie

Laramie, WY – October 14, 2024 – Laramie Main Street is delighted to announce their inaugural Dia de Los Muertos event. Dia de Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that dates back 3,000 years and honors the souls of deceased loved ones with food, drink, and celebration.

“The idea for this new event came from Main Street’s goal to bring more culturally relevant programming to the community. We wanted to find ways to connect Downtown with the people who live here but aren’t always visible—Laramie’s Downtown belongs to everyone!”

— Ana Castro - LMSA Program Coordinator

Ana Castro, the Program Coordinator for Laramie Main Street Alliance, emphasizes the importance of this event for Downtown Laramie, stating, "The idea for this new event came from Main Street's goal to bring more culturally relevant programming to the community. We wanted to find ways to connect Downtown with the people who live here but aren't always visible--Laramie's Downtown belongs to everyone!"

On November 2nd, from 12-4pm, Laramie Main Street welcomes families and anyone who wants to celebrate or learn more about Dia de Los Muertos to Downtown Laramie. The downtown area between 1st and 2nd Street on Grand Ave. will be filled with festivities for all to enjoy and appreciate the holiday.

Dia de Los Muertos Laramie will feature meaningful ofrendas (beautifully crafted altars in remembrance of our dead), a vibrant mariachi band, fun arts and crafts, street vendors, and more. The movie Coco will also be shown the following day, November 3rd, at the Gryphon Theater. Doors will open at 2:30 pm with the movie starting at 3:00 pm.

Laramie Main Street is extremely grateful to hold this event and appreciates everyone who has lended a helping hand of support. Ana Castro highlights her gratitude, saying, “The overwhelming support from our community for this event has been truly heartwarming! With so many moving parts, none of this would be possible without the contributions of our sponsors, partners, and dedicated volunteers. We are in awe of our community and cannot wait for everyone to experience this event!”

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as part of the State of Wyoming’s “Wyoming Main Street” program under the Wyoming Business Council, guided by the principles of the National Main Street Program. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org

Experience Downtown: Featuring 4th Street Studios

Wondering how you can enjoy unique experiences downtown? We are here to show you some of the experience based businesses located in our award winning downtown. 

Our second stop is 4th Street Studios - an art cafe and Victorian greenhouse.In 2017, René and her husband bought the property on 4th street - transforming it from abandoned property on its last legs to an artist gallery and event space. Originally built in 1926, the Victorian Greenhouse and the original Laramie Flowers is a place René and David would like to share with the community.  See before and after photos on the website.

We stopped on a rainy evening to experience all that 4th Street Studios has to offer. René was our gracious host and made us peach lavender spritzers, appetizers of fresh hummus with vegetables and charcuterie. We were able to pick our own craft which was Suminagashi paper marbling but she has many art projects to  choose from and will help customize the perfect project for your group or just drop in with friends during open studio hours, grab an art kit and enjoy the greenhouse.  See the online calendar for events and open studio dates.

René is an expert teacher and demonstrated how we can achieve paper marbling with ink and water. From there she let us loose and we created tons of pieces to take home with us. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening spending time together, being creative and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere in the greenhouse. 

Don’t forget that you can purchase finished artwork, gifts and handmade items created in the studio, or grab an art kit designed and assembled at the studio by René and Science Loves Art, a nonprofit that René founded to bring art and science together through events, exhibits and community collaborations.  Art kits and gifts are available on 4th Street Studios online shop with free shipping, wrapping and handmade cards available so share the love of Laramie with friends and family near and far.  

Learn more about 4th Street Studios

315 S 4th St, Laramie, Wyoming 82070

Website: https://4thstreetstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thstreetstudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4thStreetStudios

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If you are an experience based downtown business interested in being featured please contact Jennifer at marketing@laramiemainstreet.org

Downtown Summer Bucket List

1. Enjoy the sunset at 1st Street Plaza

2. Shop local with 5 downtown businesses

3. Eat dinner at a downtown restaurant

4. Find 5 different murals downtown

5. Get a to-go meal to eat at Laradise Lane

6. Hug 3 different types of trees downtown

7. Meet all five animal characters at the all day parking lots

8. Visit one (new to you) businesses

9. Attend a downtown event with friends

10. Watch a train from the historic pedestrian bridge

Gem City Nights is coming back to the Farmers Market

CIVIC CENTER’S FREE MUSIC & ARTS SERIES COMES DOWNTOWN FOR FARMERS MARKET FRIDAYS

Starting August 23, Gem City Nights returns to Downtown Laramie to bring the free music and arts series to Friday evenings with Laramie Main Street’s Farmer’s Market. This summer’s series, hosted by the Laramie Plains Civic Center's visual and performing arts facilities, will feature nine regional musicians, four pop-up art-making experiences for all ages, and sales and demos from local ceramicists. 

“ A summer night at the Laramie Farmers Market is the perfect place to gather and connect around music, creativity, and celebration of the wide array of talent we have in our town.”

— Jessica Brauer, Laramie Plains Civic Center Executive Director

“The Civic Center community is rich with artists of all mediums, and Gem City Nights is our way of showcasing the importance of their work for the community at no cost,” Laramie Plains Civic Center Executive Director Jessica Brauer said. “A summer night at the Laramie Farmers Market is the perfect place to gather and connect around music, creativity, and celebration of the wide array of talent we have in our town.”

Each Gem City Night, hosted Fridays from August 23 to September 13, will feature an all-ages drop-in workshop from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and two musical acts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North side of the Laramie Train Depot. 

“We’re excited to be able to host live music at the markets through this collaboration,” Laramie Main Street’s Farmers Market Coordinator Angela Peterson said. “It's a fantastic way to showcase the region's musical talent, farmers, and makers.”

This year’s event lineup includes:

AUGUST 23: 

Music from Pleasure People with Matthew Wilburn Skinner

Letterpress Workshop hosted by LPCC tenant Jim Jereb

AUGUST 30: 

Music from Rumours with Carriages

Costume Play Workshop hosted by LPCC tenant Wyoming Children’s Musical Theatre

SEPTEMBER 6: 

Music from Megan Burtt with Kira Dawn

Community Artmaking hosted by visiting Gorgon Gallery artist Kelwin Coleman

SEPTEMBER13: 

Music from House of Cards with Prairie Smoke

Workshop TBA

Gem City Nights is free and open to the public thanks to support from the Wyoming Arts Council and local sponsors. Learn more at lpccwy.org/gemcitynights.

The Laramie Plains Civic Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve as a community fostering connections, nurturing creativity, and ensuring an enriched future. Learn more about the facilities and programs of the historic building at lpccwy.org.