Supporting local talent and vendors: Market on Main opens for summer (2024)

Heather Kirkpatrick’s last deadline working in video game development became an opportunity to create dough another way — creating Geekery Bakery.

Kirkpatrick began experimenting in the kitchen with her mother when she was 12 years old. She remembers baking sugar cookies with her mother’s specific recipe. Kirkpatrick uses her mother’s recipes in combination with her own original recipes for her bakery.

Kirkpatrick’s passion for baking became infused with her desire to spend her days with her family.

“I worked in video game development up until last year and then I decided I was just done with all the deadlines,” Kirkpatrick said. “I was working non-stop so I wanted to spend more time with my family.”

The Geekery Bakery’s counter lined with a variety of fresh breads and desserts at the Market on Main Saturday morning in downtown Twin Falls. More than 50 vendors waited beneath the white tents to provide products and services to customers. The windy weather provided a light breeze underneath the summer sun and carried the tunes sung by the Kimberly Road and the Cliftonite Acoustics.

The Market on Main not only features new local businesses but it also provides space for long-time vendors. Hat Brand Beef has been at the Market for three years providing beef products raised in their family ranch. The family ranching legacy extends back to 1878 in southern Idaho. Ryan Bedke, one of the owners, is a fifth generation cattle rancher who enjoys being able to meet new customers and welcoming returning ones at the Market.

“All we just wanted to do was be able to interact directly with our customers and to give people a chance to meet their rancher — meet the person who raised the meat — and ask questions,” Bedke said. “It gives me a chance to educate people on what makes our beef different.”

The Market on Main was established in 2021 by Khristin Quigley, Jennifer Dahl, Kari Fields and Jared Lauritsen to bring local businesses and talent together at one place for the convenience and enjoyment of the public.

The Market is working with the Jae Foundation to award free Jae Boots in June for mental health awareness. People can nominate someone by filling out a form at the Market. The winner will receive a certificate that can be taken to Jae’s Place to choose a pair of boots.

After interacting with customers on the opening Saturday, Kirkpatrick is planning on returning for next year’s Market on Main.

“We love supporting,” Kirkpatrick said. “You can support us too.”