The church purchased the shuttered elementary school building, southeast of Minot, in February from the Minot School District.

Church member Charlotte Turner said conversation about what else they could do with the property included a potential farmers market.

“Then God dropped baking in my lap. I’m the person that has always said I don’t bake. The extent of my baking is pizza,” she said. “God, through this, said, “Guess what? You’re going to bake now.”

Thinking to save some money on her grocery bill, she figured she would try a French bread recipe, which turned out so well that she now makes a variety of breads, along with tortillas.

JILL SCHRAMM/MDN Charlotte Turner arranges merchandise on her table at the Thursday, June 25, Open Gate Farmers Market at the former Bell School southeast of Minot.

Texas native Melissa Cook knew the family salsa recipe developed by her son would be just as popular in North Dakota. Her daughter-in-law, Taylor Cook, formerly had a custom decorated-cookie business in Missouri called Pickett Ridge Cottage Cookies that she was looking to bring to North Dakota. So, the idea for a farmers market rose to the top of the church’s list and held its first sale in May.

“The first week went really well. We just called it a bake sale because it was pretty much just baked goods,” Turner said.

The farmers market recently opened to community participation.

“We’re looking for more vendors. This season is going to be free – no vendor fees – to kind of help us get it off the ground, get it established,” Turner said, noting it is a good way for someone with an interest in selling through a farmers market to give it a try.

Anyone offering homemade items, whether food or crafts, is invited to participate.

The group looks to get the word out and draw both vendors and shoppers to check out the market.

“We’re just trying to give options for people to have a new place to go,” Melissa Cook said.

Even though the market is starting small, visitors can find breads, farm fresh eggs, pickle relish, salsa, jams and jellies, cookies, beeswax fire starters and more. Among crafted items are banners, gift bags and journals. The children of the vendors have indicated interest in having their own booth with items of interest to their peers.

Once gardens begin producing, the group expects to have fresh vegetables for sale.

The market is open Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. The first Saturday market was held a week ago and will be continuing on alternate Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon, with the next market set for July 4.

Anyone with questions can contact Turner at “Where Ends Meet Baked Goods” on social media. Open Gate Farmers Market will be coming to social media soon.

The market is expected to continue through at least Labor Day.