The Emporia Farmers Market Offers Fresh Produce a Sense of Community Year-Round

More than 60 vendors participate in the Emporia Farmers Market throughout the year, selling a variety of seasonal produce, honey, baked goods, and other useful items. The market operates in Downtown Emporia during the summer months and then moves indoors at Waters Hardware, running the first and third Saturdays from November through April.

“We have some of the best vendors around,” says Trisha Fullerton, Market Manager for the Emporia Farmers Market. “They have a great variety of products.”

Fullerton says Emporia residents are very loyal to the farmers market and enjoy visiting throughout the year. There’s even a line to get in during the harvest season because residents are eager to get the first pick of the freshest produce.

If you haven’t been to the farmers market recently, it’s time to stop by. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your visit or get involved in this valuable organization.

The Emporia Farmers Market is a Great Place for Family Fun

The Emporia Farmers Market ramps up in the summer when it opens to residents twice a week. It is open every Saturday morning from May until October and also runs on Wednesday evenings from June through September. Anyone in Emporia who needs to pick up produce after work can stop in, especially if they missed the Saturday market.  

The market is also exceptionally family-friendly. The mobile library comes out once a month, there are crafts for kids, live music, and some hot-and-ready food to pick up for dinner. Last year, a vendor sold mini pancakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade to the delight of countless shoppers.

“It’s very much a community, family-oriented time,” says Fullerton. “It’s becoming more of an attraction in Emporia”

While many Emporia families visit the farmers market regularly to do their grocery shopping, more tourists are stopping in when they visit. The market is open during Unbound Gravel and the local disc golf tournaments. Visitors want to pick up local, fresh produce so they can cook that night. 

The Market Supports Local Vendors

The Emporia Farmers Market makes it easy to become a vendor, so local growers and entrepreneurs can set up tables throughout the year. There is a $25 annual fee to become a vendor, and the market charges a small commission on sales.

The commission covers two things. First, it goes toward operating the farmer’s market, allowing vendors to have a place to sell their goods. Second, it covers the sales tax on goods sold. The market pays sales tax for vendors, so they don’t need individual tax IDs.

There are other ways for vendors to save money when participating in the market. Customers can use credit cards to buy tokens at the market instead of asking each participating vendor to accept credit payments. With this option, the market also covers the credit card processing fees, so vendors don’t have to.  

If you are considering starting a business and want to grow your customer base, consider debuting your goods at the Emporia Farmers Market. 

The Emporia Farmers Market Makes Eating Healthy Affordable

Visiting the Emporia Farmers Market is a great way to fall in love with produce. Residents can pick up locally-grown fruits and vegetables that change throughout the year. Summer tomatoes and okra give way to squash and pumpkins in the fall. Eating healthy becomes a delicious experience for kids and adults alike.

There are multiple programs for residents who need to stretch their budgets but still want to have a healthy diet. The market accepts SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and doesn’t charge commissions or taxes on produce purchased with these benefits. The Double Up Food Bucks program allows anyone using EBT funds to get extra tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Emporia also participates in the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, where seniors receive checks to spend on fresh produce. The farmers market gives seniors extra market bucks to stretch their dollars further.

“Sometimes when you are short on funds, fresh produce gets pushed aside in favor of cheaper options,” says Fullerton. “These programs let residents buy fresh and eat healthy at any income level.”  

The Emporia Farmers Market is Always Looking for Volunteers

The best way to support the Emporia Farmers Market is to shop there. Stop by and meet local vendors while buying your produce, bread, and other treats for the week. However, if you want to get further involved, the market is always looking for volunteers.

The market staff needs people who can keep records of what is for sale and who can help customers carry food to people’s cars. Carriers are particularly useful for senior shoppers, many of whom live within walking distance of the market.  

If you don’t have time to volunteer, consider joining the Friends of the Market program. This only costs $35 per year and you get market bucks back, making it well worth the investment. Businesses can also pay $100 to join the Local Harvesters Program where their brand will be promoted by the market. 

The Farmers Market Highlights Why Emporia is Strong

The Emporia Farmers Market brings together people who are passionate about growing food, creating goods, and supporting the local community. It is a wonderful example of what makes this part of Kansas a wonderful place to live.

“It’s a great community where people are there for one another and work together,” says Fullerton.

Learn more about life in Emporia and how the Regional Development Association works with groups like the farmers market to create more opportunities for residents. The low cost of living and ample programs through the market allow residents to enjoy life and create cherished memories in this community.