Brown Deer's Farmers Market moves to bank parking lot

Brown Deer - The Brown Deer Farmers Market will have a new home this summer.

Market manager Lois Dolan and Community Development Director Nate Piotrowski faced the challenge of finding a new location for the market after the closing of Lowe's late last summer. The Lowe's property is now for sale.

Westbury Bank has agreed to allow the vendors to set up in its parking lot. Piotrowski had hoped for another highly visible location on Brown Deer Road, similar to what the market enjoyed at Lowe's.

Dolan concentrated her efforts on lining up her group of farmers. It was her initiative and work on behalf of the Bradley Road Business Association that created the first iteration of the market on Bradley Road though bringing business to that area was only one reason for bringing it to the village.

"I really thought the people of the village would like it and Bradley Road needed a boost," Dolan said. She grew up in the area and knew many of the farm families.

The market has a wide array of vendors selling all types of produce, bread and, sometimes, honey. Dolan expects 20 this year, with 14 already registered.

The market moved to Brown Deer Road after Lowe's opened, adding more vendors and visibility to drivers on the busy street.

Westbury Bank, 4301 W. Brown Deer Road, is another highly visible spot for potential customers. The farmers market directional signs are already in place, drawing attention to the new location for the market.

Piotrowski said that the vendors will use a parking lot adjacent to the North Shore Fire Department Station 1 for truck parking, freeing up more space in the lot at the bank.

The market opens May 30. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays through the last Wednesday in October, which is Oct. 31 this year.