Luseland Main Street market space approved
By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice
LUSELAND—The residents, organizations and businesses of Luseland will soon have a new gathering place in the heart of town. At a recent regular meeting, town council approved the creation of an open-air market space on Main Street.
Mayor Kathy Wurz said in a phone interview with Your West Central Voice on July 2 that vacant lots have been selected to accommodate live entertainment, vendors and community groups in the downtown area.
While Wurz said the town has not yet chosen a name for the space, she said the new attraction will feature a stage and vendor booths. She explained the town currently owns two adjacent Main Street lots that remain up for sale, but there has been little interest from potential buyers.
Council began discussing ways to make use of the lots while they remain on the market. Wurz said councillors wanted to see the land put to use but also wanted to ensure it would still be available if a buyer came forward.
Several ideas were considered, including pickleball courts and a farmers market-style area.
The concept of an outdoor entertainment venue combined with market space eventually gained support. Wurz said Luseland already hosts downtown events, including parade days, but lacks a dedicated outdoor space where the community can expand those activities.
Council has since hired a contractor to build a portable stage. Wurz said construction is underway and progressing well. Because both the stage and market stalls will be portable, the improvements can be stored and reused if the lots are eventually sold.
The lots were previously occupied by buildings that came into the town's possession through tax recovery. Those buildings were later demolished because of their condition.
Wurz hopes construction of the stage will be completed before the Harvest Festival on Sept. 12, although she believes it could be finished even sooner.
"We're very excited," said Wurz. "I think this is going to be our best Harvest Festival yet."
The stage will be used for live entertainment, which could include musicians or even a magician.
The market stalls will be available to local vendors. Wurz said the market is intended to showcase homemade crafts, baking and other locally produced goods, rather than operate strictly as a traditional farmers market.
Although described as an open-air market, both the stage and vendor stalls will include overhead coverings.
Wurz added the project was made possible through a generous cash donation from Freida Honecker, along with a financial commitment from Luseland Credit Union.