About Us
About the Jackson Hole Farmers Market on the Town Square
The Jackson Hole Farmers Market on the Town Square exists because Jim Darwiche decided it needed to exist—and he led it into reality.
Jim is a Lebanese immigrant who learned early that a market isn’t just a place to shop. In Lebanon, “market day” was a weekly tradition built on freshness, family, and connection—neighbors shoulder-to-shoulder, vendors working hard, and food that brought people together. That lesson stayed with him.
Years later, after visiting friends in Europe and seeing how a farmers market could shape the rhythm of community life, Jim returned to Jackson Hole with a conviction: Jackson Hole needed a shared space in the middle—something that brought everyone together. When he heard someone say, “There is no community anymore,” it hit him hard. He saw a place full of strong “spokes”—organizations, causes, and groups doing meaningful work—but not always connected to each other.
So Jim proposed a farmers market as a unifying place: rich and poor, old and young, locals and newcomers—everyone in one square, one morning a week. He built an inclusive committee, pursued approvals, recruited the first vendors (often calling well beyond the valley), and insisted the market be visible where it could thrive: on the Jackson Town Square under the elk antler arches.
The founding contributors who brought the Farmers Market to life…
While Jim conceived, organized, and led the creation of the market, its early success was strengthened by people who showed up—every week—because they believed in the same purpose.
Dan Thomasma, a beloved school teacher and musician, helped shape what the market felt like. Dan brought music to the Jackson Hole Farmers Market every Saturday by rallying local groups and bands—many playing for free simply to spread the love. The music didn’t just entertain; it turned the market into a true gathering place.
John Bickner, a local businessman and early supporter, helped make sure the market worked. In those first seasons—when everything depended on volunteer energy—John was there on Saturdays helping with setup and operations so the market ran efficiently and smoothly.
And Ken Thomasma, Dan’s father and a well-known author, gave the market its most memorable line. During the early effort to win Town Council support, Ken coined the phrase that captured the mission in one sentence:
“Who said tomatoes don’t bring people together?”
That motto became part of the market’s identity—because it was never only about tomatoes. It was about connection.
Our mission in Jackson Hole
The Jackson Hole Farmers Market is here to:
Support local and regional farmers, ranchers, and food producers
Bring the Jackson Hole community together in a shared weekly tradition
Create opportunity for small producers and food entrepreneurs to grow
Keep the focus on food and agriculture—the real roots of a farmers market
From the beginning, Jim’s goal was bigger than groceries: build something people look forward to—a place where conversations happen, kids dance to music, neighbors reconnect, and visitors taste what makes Jackson Hole special.
Why the Town Square matters
The market belongs in the heart of Jackson Hole. From day one, Jim pushed for visibility and accessibility—because a market can’t build community if it’s hidden. On the Square, everyone can find it. Everyone can walk through it. Everyone can feel invited.
A founder-led idea, raised by the community
Jim often describes the farmers market as his “baby”—but also as something the community nourished and raised. What began as one Lebanese immigrant’s passion and persistence became a shared Jackson Hole tradition powered by vendors, volunteers, musicians, and neighbors year after year.
The result is more than a market.
It’s a weekly reminder that community still happens when people have a reason—and a place—to show up.