A farm-fresh start; Farmers market season is underway

Published 7:51 am Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The weather is warm, the sun is shining and the produce is plentiful.

May marks the beginning of farmers’ market season in Mower County. Local farmers, bakers and crafters will be selling their wares at two different markets in Austin.

Austin Farmers’ Market

The Austin Farmers’ Market started its 2017 season on May 1. So far, the Austin Farmers’ Market has 15 vendors from within a 60-mile radius of Austin offering a wide array of foods.

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“We have sweet corn, potatoes, rhubarb, asparagus, artisan breads, herbal teas, eggs and chicken,” said Austin Farmers’ Market Manager Da’Nela Higgins, naming just a few of the edible items available for purchase. Higgins also said a metal craftsman will be on-hand selling items.

The Austin Farmers’ Market will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. every Monday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May through October.

The Austin Farmers’ Market Kids Club will be holding activities for kids every Saturday during June, July and August.

The Austin Farmers’ Market is located a 501 Oakland Ave. E. For more information, visit www.eatfreshaustin.com or email info@eatfreshaustin.com.

Farmers Market Place LLC

The Farmers Market place will begin its 2017 season on Monday, May 15. So far, the Famers Market Place has eight local vendors selling foods and crafts.

“We’ll have cookies, cupcakes, breads and produce available,” said Farmers Market Place President Kirk Ulland. “We’re hoping to have fresh strawberries right away.”

“We don’t allow for the resale of items,” he added.

The Farmers Market Place will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. every Monday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May 15 to Oct. 30. It will be open rain or shine, but will be closed on holidays.

The Farmers Market Place is located at 1209 18th Ave. NW in front of Shopko. For more information, call 507-438-3956.

Both the Austin Farmers’ Market and the Farmers Market Place are looking for more vendors to participate. Higgins and Ulland both stated there is the possibility of combining the two farmers’ markets next year, but certain details need to be worked out.

Jennifer Lomack of 24 Karot Gardens is selling these herbal teas.

Around the county

Brownsdale and LeRoy are also hosting farmers’ markets this year.

•The Garden Spot Market, 106 W. Main St., Brownsdale, Minnesota. Located in the First Farmers and Merchants Bank Lot. Open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday from May 2 through Oct. 14. For more information, call Margaret Andree at 507-567-2009 or email brownsdalemarket@gmail.com.

•LeRoy Farmers Market, 111 E. Main St., LeRoy, Minnesota. Located in the lot next to the LeRoy Center for the Creative Arts. Open from 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday from May 18 to Oct. 5. For more, visit www.farmersmarket.leroymn.com, email farmersmarket@leroymn.com or call Dave Perkins at 507-273-5815.