A farmer's market at a funeral home? Chandler hosts Ellettsville's on Saturdays

Even Chandler Funeral Home Director Ron Wayt admits it seems odd to have a farmers' market at a funeral home. But that isn't stopping the Ellettsville Farmers' Market from selling local produce, prepared food and crafts on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the funeral home parking lot.

The market opened for the 2024 season on May 25 in the overflow lot of the funeral home at 203 E. Temperance St. 

Wayt said the question was “Why don’t we do it?” not "Why should we?" The funeral home, led by owner and director G.L. Chandler Jr., has been instrumental in several Ellettsville events, including the holiday-time Stuff a Bus and Trunk or Treat at Halloween.

“There are a lot of community events that we have, that we are starting to do,” Wayt said the Monday after hosting the second farmers’ market of the season. 

He said community members have a lot of good ideas, and the funeral home is willing to consider many of them, including a Christmas parade that could also include a holiday market and possibly more. 

One reason the funeral home wants to be part of events for the growing community is that its staff already have the expertise needed: They know how to plan, they know how to communicate with the public and they know a lot of local people. 

More about area farmers' markets:Bloomington Tuesday farmers' market begins, Segovia joins Woolery market on Saturdays

“We have the planning skills because that’s what we do,” Wayt explained. “It’s just like planning an event; we have the communication skills and the facilities.”

While Saturday funerals are not the norm, Wayt said even if there is a funeral on a Saturday during the farmers’ market, it won't be a problem. There's another parking lot and entrance into the funeral home. The farmers’ market vendors and customers would still have access to the overflow parking lot as well as separate restrooms.

Vendors welcome to apply to join Ellettsville Farmers' Market

"The vendors love it," Wayt said of the market, adding there's no charge for a spot. "We have room to expand but we have to do things a little slow at first."

That means while more vendors are welcome to apply online, not all will be added every week. So far, some vendors plan to participate every week while others are there every other week or just once a month. This past Saturday, vendors had tomatoes, watermelon and zucchini. Little Bowl food truck was selling Thai food and other booths had baked pies and cookies or handmade crafts.

"The town is working with us on helping us to advertise and get the word out," Wayt said. "And it's been really fun talking to the people in the community. Our staff is out there talking to the vendors and the guests."

Besides providing a space to sell their wares and restrooms, the funeral home has Wi-Fi available and is considering adding music.

"We don't want to be a flea market," Wayt said, "but we do want to celebrate life."

Contact Carol Kugler atckugler@heraldt.com