It’s a Saturday morning, and you’ve decided to take a stroll downtown in your hometown to enjoy the nice weather. As you’re walking, something catches your eye – it’s the local community businesses coming together to support one another at the farmer’s market.
Farmers’ markets are a great way to get immersed in your local community and see all the businesses they have to offer.
Recently I went to two farmers’ markets. One of the markets was the combination of communities coming together to show what their businesses can offer. The other is a smaller one showing what the local area has to offer.
In Tipton, Iowa, a farmers market was held called the Good Makers Market. The Good Makers Market is known as the “Eastern Iowa’s Hippest Market” and if you go there, the title sure does fit.
The farmers market has to offer different types of food, furniture, homemade jewelry, cosmetics, clothing, etc.
“I like that you can walk around and see all the different things and buy cute stuff,” said senior Skye Foster.
Senior Addalyn Wagner had a similar response, saying, “It is a nice place to get healthy food, to walk around, and have a nice day out. It’s kind of an old people’s activity.”
Events like these can be a great way to socialize, but average farmers’ markets are not typically as large as the Good Makers Market which had over 150 vendors this summer. One of these would be the Iowa City Farmers Market which happens every Saturday. This farmer’s market consists of more produce, sweets, and beverages compared to the Good Makers Market and tends to have a smaller crowd.
Farmers markets also allow for the vendors to get to know each other and create a community. The Iowa City farmers market has allowed for small businesses to expand. Such as a meat market vendor.
“We started in 2019 because we wanted to start a business and start selling meat that is good for people. We just started going around markets and seeing which ones did the best for us, and this one [Iowa City] was amazing we’ve been going here for over five years and it’s an amazing market for all of the vendors here in general, and for the people, it’s just huge. I love the food vendors, all of the produce, we even have three meat vendors here. That is crazy for a market. But I love the variety of people and vendors here. I love seeing all of the creative work that people can do too, it’s just awesome,” said the vendor.
However, most don’t know about the challenges it raises. Early wake-up times are extremely common when participating in a farmers’ market.
“It is an early wake-up time and it’s really hot most of the year. It’s cool to offer something to the community and see all of our neighbors and support each other. We love it. For some reason, we love getting up at 4:45 and sweating all day. [The farmers market opens at 7] but to get all of our stuff here we have to get up at 4:45.”
The Iowa City coffee shop, Kindred Coffee, noted how amazing the community truly is for vendors.
“The farmers market is where we started our business and it’s great to see our regulars every week. I think we have a great community with the other vendors here on Washington Street. Everybody helps each other out. You get free food at the end of the market, but it’s beyond that. Outside of the market, we attend graduation parties, baby showers, etc. We do it because we love it, but also for the community, our community with the customers and with the other vendors.”
The Muscatine Farmers Market takes place by the CBI Bank downtown. Take a trip and find out what Muscatine local businesses have to offer!
Farmers’ markets are extraordinary for both the customers and vendors. Keep this in mind and go to the nearest farmers market if possible and shop locally!
