As the Firehouse Market prepares for its second year serving the local community, the Central Platte Fire Protection District and the Downtown Platte City Association partnership is looking forward to another successful year.
The partnership supports the goals of both organizations by welcoming residents into the fire station where they can meet and interact with firefighters, while also helping local vendors sell their home-made products.
They also strive to bring together members of the community to foster positive relationships and growth.
“Growth can be seen in aspects as small as meeting a new business owner downtown or bringing a community member down to Main Street who otherwise may not visit,” Courtney Dame, secretary for the Downtown Platte City Association said. “T”he Firehouse Market has been a year of learning and growing. We have experienced so many successes as well as learning from bumps that have occurred along the way. Multiple entities have come together to make this market a success.”
Dame is also on the Firehouse Market committee and she is former employee of Central Platte Fire.
“The Firehouse Market committee is just getting started,” Dame said. “We have added a few additional members to join us this year and are looking forward to the new growth coming to downtown through the market.”
While the recent freezing temperatures and snow have been a challenge for the committee’s 2025 plans, the market will be open from March to November.
“Did you know the firetrucks need liquid water to put out fires?” Dame said. “It’s been one of the concerns we have been faced with but have worked to overcome. The safety of our vendors, our shoppers, and the crew at Central Platte Fire is a top priority. The March market, with any luck, will be a huge hit.”
Brainstorming and making connections in order to bring more life to the market are the goals for the committee. One of the goals of the Market is to create and build strong relationships with vendors and the community. “This past year we have sought out our vendors for their opinions on how to make this market the best that we can,” Dame said. “Word of mouth has been key to growing our vendor base and the committee is certain that will be seen in the coming months.”
Beginning in March, each month will be themed, with vendors invited to join in on the fun.
“For March, bring your family out and grab a ‘Luck of the Irish’ scavenger hunt,” Dame said. “Visit the vendors to collect coin stickers. Fill your card and receive a prize. April will be ‘Woof Woof on Main.’ April’s focus will be on the furry friends in our lives. We are inviting local pet shelters to advertise the animals they have available for adoption as well as mobile groomers available on-site for your pet needs.”
The committee is always looking for new ways to get the community involved, and they are opening up the market for sponsorships. They are also inviting local groups to perform at the Market.
“The Firehouse Market would not be possible without Chief Troy Miller and his team,” Dame said. “Without them, there would be no market. They are crucial to preparing the space, providing tables and chairs, and running the sought-after raffle.”
Shining a light on the men and women who volunteer and serve the district was one of the main reasons the Central Platte Fire Protection District and the Downtown Platte City Association started the Market.
Proceeds from vendor fees, table rental, and the raffles all benefit the volunteers who serve at Central Platte Fire Protection District.
“As a former employee of Central Platte Fire, I have the utmost respect for Chief Miller and his vision for the fire department,” Dame said. “When I was given the chance to assist in making this market a reality, I jumped at the chance to be involved.”
The market continues to grow, and as the committee plans for an even more successful outcome in 2025, committee members are excited to see that more than 30 vendors will be participating beginning next month.