There is unique charm in a country farmer’s market, where homemade cooking, fresh air, great conversations, creative goods for sale, yummy treats and music come together in a delightful blend.
Locals and visitors eagerly check out each week’s fare, looking for favorites and something new. National Farmer’s Market Week is in August at the height of the fruit harvest, but there is plenty to enjoy now.
Why do so many people enjoy going to farmer’s markets? Here are a few ideas:
- Friendly vendors: Selling something they’ve invested time and effort in, vendors enjoy talking about their passion.
- Super fresh produce: Shoppers can talk directly with the grower to learn more about how the produce was grown and how to prepare it.
- Unique products you won’t find anywhere else, custom to that area.
- Completely local: Shopping there supports the local economy.
Wayne County Farmer’s Market
Wayne County Farmer’s Market, located at Torrey Town Park on 100 North, boasts various products, from sweets to farm eggs to gnomes and soaps. The market averages 16 vendors weekly, with as many as 26 coming from Wayne County, Boulder, Monroe, Venice and the Navajo Indian Reservation. The market’s nine managers expect to get more vendors as the fruit ripens.
The Moony Wash Boys, a beloved local folk band, adds a lively touch to the market atmosphere. They play for tips, which are all donated to a charitable cause. This year, the funds will be directed toward the library’s summer reading program, a testament to the market’s commitment to community support. Over the past seven years, the band has raised an impressive $15,000 for various local initiatives.
Diana Polk managed the market for nine years and retired last year. Mary Bedingfieldsmith, one of the managers, said, “There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make it work. We didn’t fully understand or appreciate all that Diana had done.”
The Wayne County Farmer’s Market will commence on May 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and will continue each Saturday, regardless of the weather, through October.
Boulder City’s Farmer’s Market
Boulder City’s Farmer’s Market has typically been held on the Anasazi State Park Museum lawn; however, while the museum is being renovated, the location is to be decided. They plan to open on Memorial weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every Saturday.
Escalante Farmer’s Market
The Escalante Farmer’s Market kicked off its season on April 20 on the front lawn of Paige Collett’s Cache Canning Company on the corner of Main Street and 200 W next to her organic garden. The market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or if vendors want, they can stay until 2:00 p.m., when business is humming. Paige would like to recruit more vendors to add variety to what is already offered.
In order to sell at the Escalante Market, the vendor must either produce their product or add personal value to something they purchased, such as tie-dyeing a purchased t-shirt. “Utah has very lenient food laws,” Paige said, “so it is easy to market home products. If anyone is interested but unsure how to proceed, I am happy to answer questions and help them get started.”
Each market has its own unique quality, according to local culture and vendors.
Halfacre’s Farm sells seasonal produce. Today, they offered bok choy, bags of salad greens, leeks and green onions.
Adam sold a variety of hot sauces and his Triple Truffle Citrus Pepper Jam, which boasts three types of peppers, a truffle paste and five types of citruses.
Other vendors offered homemade breads, bottled fruits and jams, home-sewn bags and accessories, and custom coffee in artistically wood-cut printed bags.
These items are found nowhere else. They are unique, one-of-a-kind products, locally crafted, with a personal touch. The vendors and products constantly change throughout the season, so it is never the same experience. And that’s the beauty and appeal of each of the farmer’s markets.
– by Karen Munson
Feature image caption: Halfacre’s Farm sells fresh vegetables at the Escalante Farmer’s Market. All photos courtesy of Karen Munson, The Byway.
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Karen M. Munson – Escalante
Karen is an associate editor at The Byway. She is fascinated and fulfilled by all things involved with writing. After graduating from BYU, she taught English at Escalante High School for three years. She pursues opportunities to write and support others in their writing. Karen has published three books with four more scheduled to be released in 2024. She and Reed are the parents of ten children and the grandparents of 35 grandchildren.
Karen is the author of two columns in The Byway, A New Twist on Healthy Mental Habits and Lyle’s Corner.