FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The farmers market at Electric Works will get a new look — and a new name.
Fort Wayne’s Farmers Market says it has officially parted ways with Electric Works.
Founder Leigh Rowan Donahue shared in an email on Sunday morning that she’s stepping away from the market.
“I’ve been trying to reach a mutual agreement with them for over a year,” Donahue wrote. “But with all the leadership changes and lack of communication, I’ve let the staff and vendor advisory board know that I’m walking away from the table.”
The process of transferring ownership actually started back in October 2024, but reaching a final agreement wasn’t a feasible outcome.
Donahue sent the following email:
Good Morning,
I would like to inform you that at this time the Ft. Wayne’s Farmers Market will no longer be associated with the Electric Works Property. I have been trying to come to some sort of mutual agreement with them for over a year. But after their constant change of leadership and lack of contact, I have informed the staff and the vendor advisory board that I am walking away from the table. I am sad that this 14 yr old business will not be able to move forward. I hope they are able to carry on the mission of having a farm market on that side of town. The staff has worked with them during this past year and unfortunately that has been a challenge for them.
I deeply appreciate the vendors that have participated in the farm market. It has been a pleasure working with them and seeing them grow, even seeing them move into store fronts has been especially rewarding. To be able to foster and mentor entrepreneurs has meant the world to me. I started a farmers market and ended up with a small business incubator. I wish them continued success. The dedicated staff will try and continue working with EW for the remainder of the summer season. I do not know what the future holds for the indoor season.
I wish the owners of Electric works and current administration success with their endeavors.
Leigh (Rowan) Donahue
The market at Electric Works will now be known as the Summit City Farmers Market.
The Electric Works Public Market Trust has oversight of the farmers’ market and says it will continue to operate as the Summit City Farmers Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Electric Works without interruption.
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