FollowSpring is here, and that means farmers markets around the city are back in business. Tables and tents house booths bursting with greens and other goodies from local producers. We profiled four prime locations from north to south where you can purchase produce, plants and even potent potables put forth by local purveyors. Grab your eco-friendly reusable shopping bags and get yourself off to market!
Edmond Farmers Market
Where: 26 West First, Edmond, OK
When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., April 11—October 31
Wednesdays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., June 3—August 12
This year’s market will feature 28 vendors, according to Diane Self, Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Edmond. “The goal is to have a quality market, not a quantity market.” Most of the vendors at the city-sponsored event are local, but a few are from outside the area. One of the more anticipated participants is Lovera’s Cheese Company from Krebs, Oklahoma, which specializes in authentic, old-world Italian cheeses. King’s Rib Buster, originally from Liberal, Kansas, but now based in Edmond, will be selling barbecue sauce and other items from the popular restaurant.
Fresh produce will also be available, as will local honey, flavored pastas, homemade jellies, Oklahoma wines and Italian ices. If you don’t want to wait to eat until you get home, food trucks will be on site as well. Parking is available on location and one block north—so no excuses for missing this one.
Uptown Farmers Market
Where: Walker Avenue, between NW 23rd & NW 24th
When: Last Sunday of the month
11 a.m.–4 p.m., May—October
The newest addition to the city’s farmers market family kicks off its inaugural season on May 31. Walker Avenue will be closed to traffic on market days, creating a block party atmosphere. “It’s a ‘Sunday fun day,’” says vendor coordinator Meredith Scott of the latest attraction to the 23rd-and-Walker crossroads area. Family friendly entries include a kid zone featuring face painting, coloring and other activities.
Products available for purchase will range from the familiar (produce, meat, cheese, eggs, sauces) to the unexpected (orchids, chocolate, jerky). With Saturday reigning as the most popular market day in the city, area vendors have to decide where they will hawk their wares on that day. The Uptown Farmers Market will be the first (and only) local market open on Sunday. The “off day” operating hours have already helped the event attract an eclectic mix of vendors. It should prove to be a perfect match for the neighborhood and a great day out for the whole family.
Norman Farmers Market
Where: Cleveland County Fairgrounds
615 E. Robinson, Norman
When: Tuesday, 4–7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
through October
“We’re there all the way through pumpkins,” advises Charlene Perry, Secretary/Treasurer of the Norman Farmers Market’s vendor organization. With a history dating back to 1980, this is the oldest farmers market in the state. Perry—and her family’s Perry Farms—has been there from the start. The number of vendors fluctuates throughout the season, but April’s opening weekend had 40 spaces filled. “It’s a very fluid thing,” Perry explains. “Plant people leave [for the season]early. Peach people will come later.”
For a list of current or expected vendors, Perry suggests checking the Norman Farmers Market Vendors page on Facebook. Expect to find the standard offerings here as well as some harder to find items, including fresh peanut butter, mushrooms and flowering hanging baskets. The market accepts SNAP benefits, and older shoppers can use their Seniors Nutrition Farmers Market Program to purchase food as well as food-producing plants and seeds. Looking for a good day to go? May 16 is Market Celebration Day and features door prizes, giveaways, entertainment for kids—and great local goods and goodies.
OSU-OKC Farmers Market
Where: 400 North Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City
When: Saturday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., year-round
Roughly 35 vendors are on hand weekly at the only year-round farmers market in the city. Sellers come and go depending upon what is in season, but one thing is constant: “Every item sold at the market is made or grown in Oklahoma by Oklahoma residents,” says Hallie Frobose, OSU-OKC Farmers Market Manager.
In addition to locally raised and grown food for sale, the market features local artisans selling handcrafted wares such as soaps and baskets. “We have products ranging from locally grown to organic and genetically modified organism (GMO)-free,” says Frobose. “We also have the capability to accept SNAP benefits, and we host educational events and activities throughout the year.” Oklahoma City’s largest farmers market is located on Portland between 10th and Reno directly west of the fairgrounds.
Out of town or away from your favorite local market? You can find a farmers market almost anywhere you go. For more information on farmers markets around the city—and state—visit the OK Grown website at okgrown.com.
Written by Sean Becker | Photography by Emily Brashier
