Community
As Western Sustainability Exchange wraps up its final season managing the Market, community organizations and passionate individuals are invited to step forward, learn the ropes this summer, and carry this community tradition into the future.
The Livingston Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of Park County’s summer for nearly a quarter century—and Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) is proud to be closing out its 24th and final year at the helm in 2026. Now, WSE is calling on community organizations, nonprofits, and dedicated individuals to step forward and write the Market’s next chapter.
“This market has been a labor of love for everyone at WSE, and Shannan has done a truly exceptional job as Market Manager. We are so proud of what it has become—and we are excited to see the community embrace it and carry it forward. There has never been a better time to get involved.”
— Chris Mehus, Executive Director, Western Sustainability Exchange
The Market, held every Wednesday evening throughout the summer at Miles Band Shell Park, has become one of Livingston’s most cherished traditions. Each season, it brings together local farmers, ranchers, food producers, artisans, and musicians for 16 weeks, generating approximately $325,000 in vendor revenue and drawing residents and visitors from across the Yellowstone region and beyond.
At the heart of this transition is Market Manager Shannan Mascari, whose vision, energy, and dedication over the past eight years have elevated the Market to new heights. Under her leadership, the Livingston Farmers Market has been voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market for Montana in the American Farmland Trust National Farmers Market Celebration four years in a row—a remarkable testament to the quality and community spirit she has helped cultivate.
The 2026 season marks Shannan’s final year as Market Manager—and presents a rare and exciting opportunity for the right person or organization to learn directly from her before she steps away.
A Unique Opportunity: Learn the Ropes This Summer
WSE is hoping to identify interested parties now—before the 2026 season kicks off—so that new leaders can shadow Shannan this summer, receive hands-on experience running the Market, and fully prepare to take the reins in 2027. This is a genuine handoff and a valuable opportunity to learn alongside an experienced market manager while she’s still at the helm.
WSE is open to ideas on how to move forward, but is currently considering these two paths:
A community organization or nonprofit that is ready to take over full operational management of the Market beginning in 2027.
A steering committee of committed individuals who will take over the administrative duties of the Market—either under fiscal sponsorship through WSE or as a newly formed standalone organization.
Either path is strong and several committed community partners have already stepped forward to assist this transition and create the foundation of a steering committee, if that proves to be the best option. Interested parties will be provided with the full Livingston Farmers Market Sustainability Plan, including complete operational documentation, vendor and sponsor contacts, the 2026 budget, and everything else needed to lead with confidence. You won’t be starting from scratch—you’ll be building on 24 years of success.
Why This Market Matters
The Livingston Farmers Market is more than just a weekly shopping event. It is a joyful, weekly gathering place that connects neighbors, supports local agriculture, sustains small businesses, and draws visitors from across the region every summer. Its future deserves the same care and commitment that has defined its past.
The Market generates approximately $325,000 in annual vendor revenue across just 16 market days, providing a meaningful seasonal income source for regional farmers, ranchers, food producers, and artisans. It also anchors Livingston’s summer tourism calendar and draws consistent foot traffic to businesses throughout town.
The City of Livingston has expressed strong support for continuing the Market at Miles Band Shell Park. The vendors are ready. The sponsors are ready. The community is ready. What’s needed now is the next generation of leadership—and WSE believes that leadership exists right here in this community.