The Fort Dodge Farmers Market would like to say thank you to all those in the community who joined us for our opening day last Saturday. It was so good to see people we haven’t seen since last season and meet a lot of new people. Despite the warm temperatures, it was a great turnout.

After the winter months, when the weather warms up and things start growing, you see farmers markets starting up all across America. Typically, a market has produce, local honey, baked goods, and eggs. At the Fort Dodge Farmers Market you can find all of that and more.

There are many benefits to shopping at a local farmers market; here are just a few.

First, it is a good reason to get out and enjoy the sunshine and get fresh air. It is also great exercise to walk around and visit all the booths. The vendors are all friendly and you are sure to run into someone you know.

Another benefit is that you are supporting your local farmers and businesses. You can get to know the people who are growing your food or making the products that you buy. When you go to a store, whether it’s a grocery store or a retail outlet, it’s hard to know exactly where your purchase came from. Buying directly from the producer provides a unique interpersonal connection and can give you a feeling of confidence and trust that you are getting a quality product.

Lastly, you really are getting better quality products at the farmers market. You can’t buy fresher honey, meat and produce anywhere else. Fruits and vegetables are minimally handled and are grown without hormones, pesticides and are not genetically modified in any way. The colors are more vibrant and the flavors are mouth watering. The baked items are straight from the vendors’ kitchen to your hands. The home decor and crafted items truly are made by hand and the flowers are home grown.

The vendors at the market work hard to bring you exceptional commodities. They also benefit from the personal connection with the community. You are the reason they do what they do and they appreciate your business.

This Saturday, the Pork Producers will be there grilling up pork burgers. They start at 10 a.m. and it is a first come first serve basis so get down to the market early as they sell out fast.

The market is on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 11 N. 25th St. in the Graham Collision parking lot. Be sure to check out the Fort Dodge Farmer’s Market on Facebook for information on upcoming events.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, you can fill out an application on Facebook. If you would like to present your civic group at the market please contact us at fortdodgefarmersmarket@gmail.com. If you don’t have Facebook, contact Craig Stripling at 515-351-1736 or David Ash a t520-400-1900.