Did you know that according to the Farmers Market Coalition and AMS Farmers Market Directory, there are currently more than 8,700 farmers markets in the U.S.? These markets work to benefit both the farmers and the local communities, so there’s no shortage of reasons why they’re a win-win for everyone.
If you’ve been following along here or on social media for a while, it will come as no surprise that farmers markets were part of my Summer plans, both locally and back in the Midwest. Not only are they a delicious stop, but such a fun way to learn more about the local community from some of the people who know it best.
In honor of National Farmers Market Week
(August 5-11 this year), here are highlights from some of the farmers markets I’ve visited and experiences I’ve had at them so far this Summer.
Hometown Favorite: Dane County Farmers Market
We came hungry, we ate, we did an extra lap around the Square (because I’m directionally-challenged). On a rare day of overlap in Wisconsin over Memorial Day Weekend, my little sister wanted one last taste of Wisconsin before departing for Asia. It didn’t take much arm-twisting to convince me that visiting the Dane County Farmers Market two summers in a row is a good idea.
Yes, that was oozing with cheese!
Our trip down our childhood farmers market memory lane was rewarded with pastries, empanadas, squeaky cheese curds and a discussion with a fellow Ebert who does possess a green thumb. (Alas, I do not; farming must skip a generation.) Aside from my namesake greenhouse, we recognized several other family names who travel from our former hometown area each week for the market season. Bonus: We followed up the morning with a jaunt to Devil’s Lake State Park and the Merrimac Ferry, so it really was a day of childhood nostalgia, and pretty cool to experience as an adult.
Two green thumbs up to this Ebert who does possess a green thumb!
New discovery: Sioux City Farmers Market
This mid-week breakfast stop did NOT disappoint. In fact, I was guilty of pre-breakfasting in case there weren’t any breakfast options. Big mistake, but it didn’t stop me from polishing off a lavender sparkling lemonade and this delicious cinnamon roll waffle/bacon concoction (complete with icing) from Heartland Coffee & Nosh.
Shouldn’t every breakfast have icing?
While I’ve never lived in Sioux City, several family members have called it “home” for a few years now. My sister is a nurse at a local hospital, and through the course of our shopping and eating, she ran into no less than three families she had helped care for. This market really did embody that quintessential sense of community. (And gave me more time to snag bites of her breakfast while she chatted!)
Will this all fit in my trunk?
As it happened, we were en route to Mitchell, South Dakota for the day, so this market stop served a dual purpose for road trip snacks. You can’t risk being “hangry” when visiting the world’s largest invisible ball of twine! Amidst my snack perusing, I almost impulse-purchased a bin of sweet corn, and had a lovely chat with a local beekeeper who was excitedly sharing hive updates. *Insert squeal of delight here* Farmers markets really offer that sense of pride and the opportunity to interact directly with the producers and makers.
Behind the Scenes: Phoenix Public Market
Surprise! I’ve been known to moonlight on the other side of the table–as a vendor and volunteer! While my creativity is limited to the digital realm, I’m lucky to know some of the ridiculously talented people who create and make the items sold at farmers markets (among other places). One of those people is Sarah of SarahBea Granola, and she kindly allows me to play granola expert at her booth from time to time. There’s a rush that comes not only from reconnecting with the returning customers who are there for their weekly stock up, but also from the new customers who are out exploring and relaying Sarah’s passion for what she does. It also doesn’t hurt that Sarah has a prime location with some pretty awesome fellow vendors that provide a great sense of camaraderie. Fun fact: Her honey supplier is her neighbor to the left of her. Talk about local love!
Strawberry parfait with SarahBea Strawberry Fields Grain Free Granola!
I’m lucky to be able to call the Phoenix Public Market one of my many “home” farmers market options, and their sense of community is further extended through the education opportunities and seasonal opportunities they offer. In Arizona, we do have the perk of year-round markets, so it’s fun to see the ways vendors adapt to the seasons. (Yes, it can still get chilly in the winter, as evidenced by my Phoestivus volunteer experience as Phreddie the Yeti’s official handler last December!)
To recap: It’s been a delicious and rewarding Summer farmers market experience. I hope you’ve been able to check out your old and new favorites–let me know in the comments which ones they are!
Happy Farmers Market Week!
-Anna
Farmers Market Resources
If you’re a farmers market vendor, or a loyal market shopper, here are some resources you can use or share out this week (and year-round) to help support and spread awareness for farmers markets:
- National Farmers Market Week Resources
- “Why Shop at Your Local Farmers Market?”
- “How to Create a Buzz at the Farmers Market”
- “Farmers Market-ing 101”
- Hashtags: #marketlove #lovemymarket
