In August I will have more time to go to as many farmers markets as my heart’s desire. But this June and July, I have so much planned for our Spring and Summer Fest, that
In August I will have more time to go to as many farmers markets as my heart’s desire. But this June and July, I have so much planned for our Spring and Summer Fest, that I was only able to make it to one farmers’ market, and it happened to be in Sioux Falls! This is where one of my best friends’ lives, and while I was up north visiting Katie, we decided to stop at their very popular farmers’ market.
History of the Farmers’ Market
The idea of a farmers market dates back all the way to 1730, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where dairy farmers would pair up with local crop farmers and showcase the fruits of their labor (pun intended). Town centers and public squares became the designated spaces for everyone to congregate, however once industrialization began to change the economy and customers buying habits, farmers started noticing a decline in sales. With the challenge of agriculture production centers, small locally owned farmsteads could not compete at retail level.
This is where an initiative in the early 20th century with the slogans “Buy Local” and “Farm-to-Table” helped hard-working local farmers revive their businesses. In addition to wanting to eat healthier, many agriculture groups began promoting and organizing a neighborhood support system. Once the demand for fresh produce was there, more farmers’ markets across the country began to grow significantly.
In the 1980s and 1990s, with the creation of various programs, such as the USDA’s (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Farmers’ Market Promotion Program, states and local governments began enacting regulations to ensure food safety and quality standards. Today, farmers’ markets are a vibrant part of the American food landscape. They come in various forms, ranging from small community affairs to large, well-established weekly events. Farmers’ markets provide an avenue for local farmers, growers, and artisans to sell their goods directly to consumers, creating a strong sense of community and supporting local economies. In addition, community pride is genuinely on display for patrons to feel, touch, smell and see, and with local musicians partaking in the spring and summer fun, you may also get serenaded during your outdoor adventure.
For more reading material, here is a really awesome article written by the USDA on farmers markets (https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/08/07/meet-me-market-evolution-farmers-market).
Market at the Falls
Arriving at the Sioux Falls farmers market, I did not know what to expect, but I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised. Located across from the Falls Park, this market is held within the outdoor atrium. Situated in a horseshoe shape, patrons peruse along tents and booths while gaining reprieve from the heat under the covered shelter.
Some of the vendors I saw there were local mushroom farmers, lots of flowers, sourdough bread, honey, handmade gifts, locally sourced and handmade peanut butter, and various fruits and vegetables. We did go on one of their first weekends they were open, so not everything is in season this early in the spring, but if you plan your trip during the summer, you will most definitely have your baskets full!
Live music, lots of dogs, people enjoying their food truck meals on the picnic tables, and parkgoers meandering their way to and from the falls, this was a true block party! Open Saturday mornings only, from 8am to 1pm, the Sioux Falls farmers market is open for business starting in May, and closing up shop in October. Meaning, you have close to six months to plan your visit.
You can find more information on local businesses and vendors who are featured at this farmers market via their website (https://www.fallsparkfarmersmarket.com/), and check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FallsParkFarmersMarket/) and Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/fallsparkfarmersmarket/).