Photography Provided by the City of Fishers
With the return of warm weather comes one of the most popular outdoor activities in Fishers. The highly anticipated Fishers Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning, rain or shine, at 6 Municipal Drive in the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater behind City Hall. This year, the market season will run all the way from May through October 26 from 8:00 am to noon.
As in the past, the market has something for everyone such as children’s activities, live music, deliciously prepared food and more than 50 vendor stalls which offer everything from fresh produce to organic dog treats. Patrons can also count on some new special events this year.
“Our Farm Hands Kids’ Program returns each week, June through August,” says Sarah Sandquist, Director of Parks and Recreation for Fishers. “Kids have the opportunity to engage in the local food system through educational games, crafts, demonstrations and exposure to new fruits and vegetables.
“New this year, we are offering market tours with a nutritionist on May 18, July 13 and September 21,” she adds. “Registered Dietician Amanda Garant will guide small group tours around the market to visit different vendors and discuss what produce is in season, nutrition and cooking tips. Amanda will also be available between tours to answer food and nutrition-related questions.”
To be a vendor at the market, potential participants must fill out an application and go through a selection process. Several new vendors made the cut and will add to the field of quality products available. They include Bettini Pasta, Christopher Farm, organic produce, Indie Coffee Roasters, coffee concession, Native Bread, artisan gluten free bread, Tailored Toddies, handcrafted cocktail mixes, and Viking Lamb.
Varied events will be held during the market season. Opening day, May 4, was Star Wars Day in a partnership with Hamilton East Public Library. The Health and Wellness Expo was held on May 18. New to 2019 is the June 18 Green Fair. On June 29 the Spark!Fishers Market will be held in conjunction with the Second Annual Spark!Fishers Festival.
“July 20 will be the Biz Kidz Market and, for the first time, the Fishers Freebirds will host the August 24 Senior Citizen’s Day,” Sandquist says. “The Fall Harvest Festival will be September 21 and October 26, closing day, will also be something new for 2019, the Monster Market.”
The Fishers Farmers Market is sponsored by IU Health Saxony. This year, the market will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Individuals are now able to bring their Hoosier Works EBT card and receive SNAP Market Bucks to spend on eligible foods.
When asked how market-goers can get the most out of their experience, Sandquist offers simple advice.
“Come early. Some vendors will sell out,” she says. “This year we are also working to reduce waste and asking patrons to bring their own reusable bags. Single-use plastic shopping bags will not be provided by vendors.”
For more information on the Summer Fishers Farmers Market, visit PlayFishers.com/188/Fishers-Farmers-Market.
Comments 2