Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market opens Saturday

MT. PLEASANT — With the return of warm weather, the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market prepares to offer fresh food and local treasures beginning this Saturday, May 18.

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Opening at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in McMillian Park at the Wright Family Pavilion, the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market will present many opportunities to check out a multitude of vendors Saturdays from 8:30-11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. through the close of the season Oct. 19.

In anticipation of opening day, the farmers market shares some vendors patrons can expect to see throughout the season. These vendors will sell things ranging from fresh produce to baked goods to crafts and more.

Traditional farmers market vendors this year will include veteran vendor Gerald Freyenberger from rural Wayland who offers a rainbow of fruits and vegetables alongside in-season plants. Mary and Marty Schnicker also will be sure to bring vegetables to the market along with a few baked goods.

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First-time Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market vendor Rhonda White will bring a variety of baked goods to the market this year. Her offerings will include sourdough breads, artisan loaves, sourdough breadcrumbs, cookies, cupcakes, scones, and Dutch letters. Sara Francy, another first-time vendor, will offer other delicious, sweet treat choices. Specializing in European and American desserts, Francy will bring items such as custard tarts, bonbons, chocolate truffles, Irish soda bread, scones, and cake slices.

Chris Jackson of Buzzy’s Bee Honey will return to the farmers market this year with local honey and honey related products that he harvests himself.

Other vendors will bring a creative flare to the market with their goods for sale.

Rural Mt. Pleasant resident Vicki Messer will return to the market this year selling handmade craft items. Another rural Mt. Pleasant resident, the Garmoe family also will return with an array of baked goods, resin crafts, shirts, jewelry, and a beverage stand. Matt Lawler will offer crafts made from reclaimed barn wood.

Each vendor comes to the market hoping to sell their goods, but also because they believe that farmers markets are important.

The Garmoe family feels that farmers markets give the community a chance to interact with those who grow and bake the food the consume. Francy also thinks they offer vendors an opportunity to get to know local patrons.

Others like Jackson, the Schnicker’s, and Freyenberger express that farmers markets provide an important opportunity for the community to get their hands on fresh, local produce.

So, no matter why one chooses to attend a farmers market this season, they will certainly be met with opportunities to interact with local individuals selling local food and products.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com