The Brookings Farmers Market is a place to shop and connect with the community and producers behind local, fresh grown products. Every Saturday morning until the end of October, you can go experience all of the aspects of the Farmers Market that make every visit special.
The Brookings Farmers Market was established in 1997 and is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year. The Farmers Market has had a record year with both vendors and customers. Just a few years ago, about 20 vendors signed-up weekly. Now there are at least 30 vendors participating every weekend.
Kirsten Gjesdal, the Executive Director of Downtown Brookings, said she thinks the increased numbers are due to partnering with Downtown Brookings. Before, the market was a stand-alone organization with only volunteers. Now, it is a non-profit organization with employees that ensure the success of the market.
The new partnership has provided Gjesdal with the resources to market and advertise the Farmers Market year-round, which she believes has significantly increased attendance.
“It is the organizational stability that they need for long term success,” Gjesdal said.
The Brookings Farmers Market is a place where everyone is welcomed to buy locally grown and locally made products in a large gathering place.
With 30 to 35 vendors selling home goods and fresh produce, there is something for everyone. Each vendor provides patrons with a unique view into local agriculture and craftsmanship. Most weekends have something new offered for patrons to view or sample.
Patrons have the ability to shop for fresh produce at this market and experience activities one would not get at a traditional grocery store.
“You can go to the grocery store and buy a $5 loaf of bread that is two weeks old by the time you buy it or you can buy one that was freshly baked that morning for the same price from someone that you know,” Gjesdal said. “Then you can turn around and pet a donkey, buy a coffee and do some yoga all in the same spot.”
Adding the Brookings Farmers Market into your Saturday routine brings much more joy and excitement than a typical run to the grocery store.
“The market is just a magical place to be,” Gjesdal said.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are staple to the market but there are many other goods offered. Honey, fresh flowers, eggs, meat and jarred salsa are just a few of the other products that are provided every weekend.
Emily Brown, owner of Em’s Sweet Treats, is a new gluten-free vendor to the Brookings Farmers Market.
“I noticed a lack of gluten-free options and wanted to make a change,” Brown said. “I love watching the excitement in gluten-free kids’ eyes when their parents say that they can choose anything off of my shelf.”
The market brings something special to not only the community but also the college students.
“I love being able to walk the street with my friends and find fresh produce to stay healthy as a college student,” Senior Katrina Buntjer said.
The Brookings Farmers Market will continue bringing local produce and goods to the community until the last weekend of October. This event begins at 9 a.m. every Saturday morning and runs until noon. It is located between the public library and the courthouse on the 300 block of 6th Ave.
When asked about the market’s future, Gjesdal said, “The only plan is to keep going and to keep growing.”