Outdoor farmers markets underway in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Farmers Market is in full swing with two outdoor markets every week.

The market meets year-round every Saturday, but in the winter months it goes indoors. From May through October, the market meets at Howard Park on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and in Central Park on Wednesday afternoons from 3-6 p.m.

Vendors have been pleased with the attendance at the Saturday markets so far this summer. Barb Sieren of Back to the Basics Farm and a member of the farmers market board said there have been about 30 vendors set up shop for the Saturday markets. The Wednesday markets usually draw fewer vendors and fewer customers, though Sieren said the Wednesday markets seem to be unusually small this year.

Sieren said that in 2021, the first year the Wednesday markets moved from Howard Park to Central Park, the market attracted 10-14 vendors per week. So far this year, it’s only attracting three or four per week. Sieren said she’s not sure how to explain the drop-off, but speculated that rising gas prices might keep some out-of-town vendors from making the drive to Fairfield.

One of the three vendors who set up Wednesday in Central Park was Breadtopia Bakehouse, staffed by Haley Diamond. Diamond said Breadtopia Bakehouse tries to set up at every farmers market they can. She said the Saturday markets have been great for business, generating about $1,000 in revenue. Breadtopia Bakehouse has expanded into other farmers markets, too, such as the one in Cedar Rapids.

Willy Koppel attended Wednesday’s farmers market to peruse the selection. He said he enjoys visiting the markets to buy vegetables such as chard, asparagus and mixed greens, but more than anything he likes supporting local vendors.

Gretchen Nolle, another market goer, said she doesn’t often come to the Wednesday market but decided to do so this week. She said she is particularly fond of the fresh breads for sale, and she also likes to buy any vegetable in season. She likes to look at the flowers, greeting cards and other crafts such as potholders.

“It’s really a social thing, too, because you get to see your friends,” she said.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com