The $30 million park project's impact on local vendors

The Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market returns this Saturday , despite the partial closure of Pioneer Park due to a $30 million park project.. The market will maintain the same size as in previous years, with over 10,000 customers expected to attend every week.

Some veteran vendors have pulled out over this year's challenges, including cold snaps that severely impacted local fruit vendors, leading to a 'fruit famine' and forcing some to step aside for the next generation of businesses.

Who's still in and who's out?

Companies such as Smith Orchard, Wilson Peaches, and Perfect Peach have pulled out of the Downtown Farmers Market this year due to the situation, while Pioneer Valley Fruit Company, known for its jams and jellies, also pulled out over a lack of local fruit soures, organizers said.

Fowers Fruit Ranch will sell some peaches and apples it was able to grow, with a few trees being spared, while others, like Pyne Farms, are scaling back to sell apple cider and doughnuts.

What's behind the 'fruit famine'?

Cold snaps in April and May crushed many growers, with losses of 95% to 100% reported from farmers who produce apricots, sweet and tart cherries, plums , peaches, pears, and apples.

The Utah Transit Authority's TRAX and several bus routes each stop within a few blocks of Pioneer Park, making it accessible to customers.

What's next for the market?

The market will be a partial street affair while construction is carried out, but Gillespie expects the number of vendors to remain close to the same, with 250 to 300 vendors annually.

The park project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, creating a new permanent layout that will be visible next year.