Farmington Downtown Development Authority board members shot down a staff proposal Monday that would have closed the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market season on the last Saturday in October in 2013. 

The market was open through the end of November this year. 

But officials approved a plan that cuts three market days next year, the last two in November and one during the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival.

Events planner Janet Bloom said the market lost more than $1,000 in sponsorships in 2012, including a music sponsor and one for the Farmington Fit program, which launched in 2011. However, the number of on-site sponsors jumped from three to nine, generating $5,200 to support the Saturday event, which ran this year from May through November. 

Other proposed changes included a dedicated booth for DDA businesses to accompany the downtown restaurant booth, vendor-supported advertising and finding increased sponsor support. DDA board members remained silent as board president Bob Rock twice called for a motion to support the market's 2013 rules, which would also reduce costs to vendors based on the shortened schedule.

"I like the extra weeks," DDA board member Melissa Andrade said. "It still brings people to the downtown."

Her motion to approve the new rules, but with the final market day on Nov. 9 for the 2013 season, was unanimously approved. Board member David Cornwell abstained from voting, as he submitted his resignation effective at the end of the month. 

Browse through the photo gallery to see other changes proposed for Farmington DDA events in 2013.