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Spring 2024 At Home in Edmond
Through social media posts, Emily Harmon, the manager of the Edmond Farmer’s Market, hopes to educate families about the benefits of fresh produce.
Edmond Farmer’s Market Shop fresh shop local
By Rose Drebes
A focus on families and shopping local are to be a big part of this year’s Edmond Farmer’s Market.
The farmer’s market opens April 20 in downtown Edmond at Festival Market Place on the northwest corner of Edmond Road and Broadway. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 2.
Social media segments to teach families how to make purchases stretch are to be included in programming for this year’s Edmond Farmer’s Market, Emily Harmon, Farmer’s Market manager said.
“Oftentimes fresh food is seen as an ‘eat fast’ purchase, but that is not the case! I am planning social media segments dedicated to meal prep, easy snacks, picnics and other cooking that fits into the lifestyle of a busy family,” she said. “I also hope to see the vendors continue to engage with the kiddos at the market to show them how good fresh veggies can be.”
The best way to be an advocate for local businesses is to make one purchase each week from the farmer’s market, she said.
“The vendors are your neighbors, your friends and your co-workers,” Harmon said. “They are families doing what every family does: working hard to take care of their home and loved ones. We need local businesses to continue to drive our local economy.”
“A small business will purchase supplies from other local businesses, eat at restaurants close to home and the market and make other local connections to help their business grow. Farmer’s markets provide communities with direct access to fresh food, direct from the grower or maker.”
During peak months, the Saturday market may see upward of 7,500-10,000 visitors. On average, there are 5,000-plus visitors to the market each weekend of the outdoor season.
Every season, the market attracts new vendors from a variety of businesses. Harmon said that in 2024, the new “hot item” seems to be unique baked goods made with a sourdough base.
“There have been a lot of applicants with that as the prime product,” she said.
In addition to Turkish baked goods and a rotating schedule of new bakers that will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Edmond community, other vendors making their first appearances at the farmer’s market include two mushroom vendors.
“The market will have new farmers this year as well, which is a huge thing for the community,” Harmon said.
“Agriculture is a thriving industry that can always use more farmers to meet the needs of shoppers for more fresh grown products.”
They join returning vendors who sell everything from meat to wine, hot sauce, eggs, crafts and more.
She said the market is made up of 75 percent consistent, weekly vendors. Twenty-five percent of the vendor lineup has a once or twice a month schedule.
“Our vendors are looking forward to another amazing season in Edmond,” Harmon said.
Edmond also offers a midweek market at Mitch Park, every Wednesday, 8 a.m. -1 p.m., June through August.
The Edmond Farmer’s Market draws thousands of people each Saturday morning to downtown Edmond.
