The Independent-Record from Helena, Montana • 20

Farmers' Market: the blending spot y- 'I- yp- iu-v' fit years the market has become popular for children who sell produce from their own gardens. "We like to see the kids," LaSalle says. Anyone with locally-grown produce, or crafts, can sell at the market. Sellers are required to provide their own tables, signs, money change and bags if they are, bagging produce. If merchandise is to be sold by weight the scales used must be certified by the Division of Weights and Measures, according to LaSalle.

Sellers give 10 percent of the gross take to the market. That money is then used to cover expenses like liability insurance, license fees and advertising. No early sales are allowed. So as the bell clangs and the market opens you can be sure the trading will be fast. And buyers shouldn't bank on produce being left around for late sales.

LaSalle suggests that buyers get to the marketplace early. "If you want to buy something you better be there when the bell rings. It goes out fast," she savs. The traditional marketbell will clang at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, opening the Helena Farmers' Market for another season.

The marketbell has been1 used to signal the opening of the weekly, harvest-time markets since their inception in 1974. As in past years, markets will be held each Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the marketplace south of the TraveLodge on the Downtown Mall. Helena's unique Farmers' Market offers a chance for local sellers and buyers to get together in a friendly atmosphere. Most sellers bring vegetables, flowers or house plants.

Handicrafts also show up on a regular basis during the market season, which lasts until the first fall frost, according to Betty LaSalle, president of the Helena Farmers' Market. Sellers come from a variety of lifestyles. Some are are retired, but they do gardening. Others have a little extra produce from their gardens and are willing to sell it. And in recent i X5 Farmers' Market a community event.

(Photos by Gene Fischer) Market is popular with kids, as well as adults. Monday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. entries received. 10:30 a.m.

judging indoor exhibits. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. indoor adult and senior citizen entries accepted. Broadwater County Fair: two days of events TOWNSEND Nearly 600 4-H and open-youth exhibits in categories ranging from aerospace to -crocheting have been received this year for the Broadwater County Fair.

Most entries in the two-day event, which will be held Monday and Tuesday, July 23 and 24, were received in- the livestock, clothing, foods and photography categories, officials say. There also has been considerable interest in the miscellaneous handicrafts. The fair this year also will feature an expanded adult division and a senior citizen's division. A number of special events will be held prior to the fair, including a style revue, a speech contest, a demonstration contest and livestock judging. The two-day schedule of events at the fairgrounds wiU Tuesday 7:30 to 9 a.m.

weighing market animals. 10 a.m. judging of outdoor exhibits and adult, open-class exhibits. 7:30 p.m. livestock sale.

9:30 p.m. exhibits may be removed. 11 p.m. building locked. Wednesday 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

exhibits must be removed..