Words & Deeds

Abandoning ‘absolutely horrible’ new location, Boise market returns to old spot

Saying that customers weren’t wild about the Capital City Public Market’s new location this year at 11th and Myrtle streets is, well, being polite.

“... Absolutely horrible,” a recent Google review complained. “It went from a beautiful square to a dirt parking lot. The lack of shade sucks, the character of the entire market changed, it’s sad.”

Smile, Boise! Reversing course, the gathering of local artists and vendors will return to its old spot Saturday at The Grove Plaza, 827 W. Main St., and on 8th Street between Main and Idaho streets.

The Capital City Public Market explained the decision on social media in “an open letter to the community.”

“We listened — and we care,” it wrote. “Over the past several weeks, we’ve received a great deal of feedback about our move to a new lot. While we had high hopes for the space, we’ve heard your concerns loud and clear. The negative feedback has affected not only foot traffic but our vendors’ sales and morale.

“Our community means everything to us, and we truly value what each and every one of you has to say. That’s why we’re making a change.”

Response to the news has been jubilant.

“Hooray!” Instagram commenters posted.

“Seriously brought a little tear to my eyes,” wrote another.

“So happy to hear it! Thank you, thank you!” exclaimed one more.

Ready to join the celebration? This Saturday’s market runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Eating your way through the Capital City Public Market on a Saturday requires a lot of stamina – and a lot of appetite. Just walk it off on your way to the next destination.
Eating your way through the Capital City Public Market on a Saturday requires a lot of stamina – and a lot of appetite. Just walk it off on your way to the next destination. Alex Kiesig For the Idaho Statesman
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Michael Deeds
Idaho Statesman
Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane. 
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