Large farmers market in northern Indiana to close after less than 4 years in business

Large northern Ind. farmers market to shut down

ELKHART, Ind. — A large farmers market that aimed at highlighting northern Indiana’s agricultural roots will be shutting down less than four years after it opened.

American Countryside Farmers Market officials announced Wednesday that it would close on Sept. 4.

“The economy definitely had a huge impact,” said LeRoy Troyer, an investor and a member of the market’s Board of Managers.

The market opened in May 2007 in a distinctive 51,000 square foot red barn along U.S. 20 just south of Elkhart. It has more than 490 indoor and outdoor vendor spaces.

Developers earlier this year announced plans for a 600-unit vacation getaway resort incorporating the farmers market. The plans for the 300-acre resort called for two- to four-bedroom villas and two interconnected 90-foot high glass domes — one housing a waterpark and the other with stores, restaurants and a bowling alley.

Planners, however, haven’t been able to line up investors and financing for the estimated $170 million project.

“We need to step back and refocus our efforts on a more sustainable business model given the assets at our disposal,” said Dale Weaver, president of the market’s board.

The current facility cost about $4 million and was built predominantly by Amish workers. The market hoped to draw visitors attracted to the Amish-themed sites in the area, and Elkhart County officials spent nearly $5 million in road improvements to accommodate anticipated traffic.

Troyer said the market managers were disappointed that they had to make the closing decision and that vendor were told about the decision Wednesday.

“They’re not very happy about it, but they understand,” he said.