It’s been closed for 85 days, but officials said this week the reopening of St. John the Baptist Parish’s Creole Farmers Market finally has a target date — Oct. 31.

The market, which opened for the first time Dec. 13, started off with a bang as more than a dozen venders opened to nearly 300 customers in Wallace at the foot of Veterans Memorial Bridge. Unfortunately, volunteers said the participation of venders waned, the choices for customers grew limited and competition in St. John and nearby combined with hot temperatures to close the market after Aug. 1.

The first plan called for the market to reopen Sept. 12, but that was abandoned due to a lack of farmer participation.

Now organizers are confident the kinks have been worked out and area residents will have lots to browse through when the market reopens.

In fact, the fun actually starts early as organizers are planning a PumpkinPalooza from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at the Creole Farmers Market for interested family and children. The event includes pumpkin-carving instruction and contests.

The market returns in full swing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31 with child-friendly trick-or-treating, fresh vegetables, fruit, hot prepared food, arts, crafts and more.

Parish officials said the market would continue operating each Saturday thereafter in hopes of fulfilling the project, which took years to materialize.

Doubters suggest the market’s location on the West Bank doesn’t create enough traffic to support a vibrant operation and a lack of promotion and the presence of competition from similar entities will add to another demise.

Supporters remain undeterred and seem more committed today to make this St. John project a success. St. John Economic Development Committee member Nora Pierre is one such excited organizer, and that enthusiasm starts with next week’s pumpkin fun.

“I’m excited about the number of vendors, because they realize the problems we’ve had and they have been very patient with us,” she said. “I’m excited to know they are still with us. We would love to have more farmers sign up with us.”

Participation remains the key. The potential and promise are there.

What still remains to be seen is if enough venders will continuously provide the crops needed to support customers, which will keep them coming back for all Saturdays to follow.