Local businesses at Center Street Market

Logan’s historical Center Street has been key to development in Cache County since settlers first arrived in 1859, according to the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement.  

The nearby water provided life for a growing community, and now Center Street is a hub for community events and activities.  

One of these events is the Center Street Market in downtown Logan, which is held during summer months.  

The market is currently running and is hosted every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Center Street. 

The market will run from May 25 to August 26. According to the Logan downtown website, the market’s mission is to allow local businesses to “promote and sell their products to the general public in an active community gathering place.”  

The Gardener’s Market, another market hosted on Center Street, also operates weekly on Saturday mornings, and specializes in homegrown, locally-sourced produce. More information can be found here. 

The Center Street Market differs from the Gardener’s Market because it focuses on creative products, often art and baked goods.  

In an interview with Utah Public Radio last year, Logan Downtown Alliance manager Gary Sexton said the plans for the Center Street Market began in 2019. This is the market’s second year, due to COVID-19 delays. 

Cassi Carnes, owner of Wild Daisy Wellness, sells herbal teas centered around wellness at the market each week.  

Carnes described each vendor as “artisans” and said shoppers are “going to find people that are putting time and effort and love into their product.”  

Another artisan at the market is Chris Pierre. He’s the owner of Boarding House, a business that makes items out of old skateboards.  

“This is the base of American Culture,” he said, “and this is the way it should be. You should stay local, support your neighbors, support your friends and help the local economy.” 

The New York Times reported that during the coronavirus pandemic, small businesses suffered. Rather than leave home to shop locally, quarantine caused many people to shop online. 

“The city has changed a lot and is continuing to grow and change, and that just means bigger companies coming in,” said one customer at the Center Street Market. “I feel like now more than ever, we need to really see the small businesses and we need to support local artists and craftsmen and help them thrive.” 

Glass artist Angela Houtman said she finds the market to be a good way to engage in the community. 

Houtman and Pierre said they see mostly young adults shopping, but both encouraged everyone to give the market a visit. 

“I think anyone who wants to come should come,” Houtman said. “If you want to support local businesses, then show up.” 

-Asa.Strain@usu.edu

Featured photo by: Bailey Rigby