The Dallas Farmers Market has been a gathering place for people of all ages since 1941.

“This is a generation-to-generation activity,” said Theresa Ybarra, a vendor at the Market.

Although the Market has sustained itself for almost 60 years, some say its future could be in jeopardy.

Vendors inside the Market, many of whom have been working there for generations, have become frustrated with the lack of advertising and the poor maintenance on the facilities.

According to some vendors, the days of crowded streets bustling with shoppers and live bands filling the air have all but drifted away.

William Gray, a vendor who took over the family business 15 years ago, said that for the first seven years the business was great, but there has been a steady decline in revenue ever since and that the facility is in need of “serious help.”

But on Tuesday, voters in Dallas will be voting on a Civil Improvements bond program that will include a $6.6 million bond package to create the proposed new boulevard that will run through the middle of the Market.

The boulevard would create new artist space, restrooms and landscaping. The proposal also includes a new esplanade would have a rebuilt main entrance and a possible entry fountain.

De McCombs, who became economic development coordinator for the Farmers Market in January 2006, said the city is working on upgrading various parts of the Market, including bringing back live musicians on the streets and getting more weekly ads to run in the major papers.

McCombs said the first step the city has taken to revitalizing the Market was to perform a study entitled “Dallas Farmers Market Strategic Economic Development Plan.” The study was completed in February 2006 and showed the facility was lacking in available parking and was not nearly dense enough.

“We’re too spread out and there needs to be more activity between the sheds,” said McCombs.

Dawn Howard, a shopper from Cedar Hill, said she has been coming to the Market almost every week for the last 10 years.

Howard said she doesn’t like going to the grocery store for her fruits and vegetables because she can get them at the Market “cheaper and fresher.” She says she thinks the facility has continued to grow and improve since she first started coming.

Bobby William, who has worked at the Market for almost 20 years, said he works eight months out of the year seven days a week. He believes the Market has just continued to get worse.

“The Market keeps changing administrators,” said William.

William said he can remember several years ago when he used to see live bands playing in the streets, but that has since disappeared. William thinks the main problem is a lack of advertising on the part of the city.

Bennie Rubio, a second-generation vendor, agrees. Rubio said the lack of crowds has caused his business to just stay afloat.

The Market, which comprises four open-air sheds, sits on a southeastern section of downtown Dallas.

In 2003, Dallas voters approved $3.2 million to redo shed two, which is around 27,000 square feet and was built about fifteen years ago.

McCombs said the idea is to enclose the building, add heating and air-conditioning and devote 10,000 square feet to restaurants and specialty dining activities.

Angel Guerrero, who has been a vendor in shed two for 10 years, said that in the last few years he has witnessed a decline in his own business and others. He is looking forward to the upcoming changes in store for his building. Guerrero said he was assured by the city he will be temporarily relocated while construction takes place in shed two.

According to city plans, all vendors will be relocated next year. Shed two is supposed to begin construction in June 2007, with a planned grand opening on or around March 2008.

McCombs said although they will allow certain specialty vendors from other parts of the country, they want to focus their energy towards promoting local and Texas artisans and producers.

“We want to be considered a small business incubator,” said McCombs.

Gloria Reyes, a new shopper from Keller, said she loves the Market because it has much “more variety than Target.” Reyes also said not to mention cheaper and better.

Ybarra said there is no other place around where you can find hand crafted items made by local artists and there is always something for everybody.

“If you’re looking for something unique and different, come to the Farmers Market. Otherwise, go to Wal-Mart,” said Ybarra.