Fresh produce and baked goods will be available at a new location and a new time this summer.With Plaza Diane under construction downtown, the farmers' market is moving across town to the old Powell High School parking lot near McDonald's. The lot is owned by McDonald's franchise operators Jerry and Debra Bank.

However, even after construction is finished in August, members of the Big Horn Basin Farmers' Market Association plan to continue operating at the parking lot.

Instead of last summer's Saturday mornings, the market will take place on Mondays beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The association's president, Maureen Geiger, opposed the move and resigned following the decision during Wednesday's meeting.

“I don't agree (with the move). I think it's a loss to the community,” she told the association. “Plaza Diane feels like the heart of the community.”

“Plaza Diane is too congested,” countered Cliff Johnston, a market vendor. “It's just not big enough.”

Vendors cited parking concerns, saying that lack of parking made it difficult for some customers, especially older residents.

“There wasn't a place for old people to park,” said Ken Schuebel, who will serve as the association's president this year. Schuebel served for several years recently.

Geiger said she didn't view parking as an issue last summer at Plaza Diane.

Schuebel said the parking lot also allows vendors to sell from their vehicles, which makes it easier.

“This will work better, I think,” he said.

The association also favored meeting on Mondays, which it did until last summer, when it moved to Plaza Diane on Saturdays.

Vendors said with the Cody farmers' market on Thursdays, they do not have enough time for their produce to ripen for a Saturday market. Moving it to Mondays provides four days between the Cody and Powell markets.

“Four days makes a big difference,” said Joyce Johnston.

Schuebel agreed that additional time is necessary for produce to ripen between the two markets, and added that Saturday was inconvenient for some vendors.

“People want their Saturdays off,” he said.

Last year's Saturday market also included entertainment and art vendors, and Geiger said she felt it was more than just a farmers' market.

“It wasn't just ‘Here's your lettuce, goodbye,'” she said. “It was a community event.”

Some vendors said for them, it was for money and a service to the community, but it's not a social thing.

Schuebel added that he sees farmers' markets as an opportunity for vendors to sell food.

“We're a farmers' market. It's more about vegetables than trinkets,” Schuebel said. “I can't eat jewelry.”

The market is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 9, in Cody and Monday, July 13, in Powell. Both markets begin at 4:30 p.m.