Market Momentum
When you think of a farmers market, most of us think fresh produce, possibly a fun children’s activity and maybe some live music, but the Plainfield Farmers Market is so much more.
What began in 2008 with four vendors sitting in the Plainfield Ace Hardware parking lot has become a 95-vendor event held on the lawn of Plainfield Friends Church at U.S. 40 and State Road 267.
The first market of the season began May 20 and will continue each Wednesday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 16.
“We started earlier this year because several of our vendors reached out and said they have items for the spring season,” Nichole Schmitt, event manager with the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, says. “The farmers market has steadily grown over the years. In 2013, we had 36 vendors. In 2024, we had 75 and last year we had 80. This year, that number has gone up to 95.”
Schmitt says it’s a good mix of vendors, too. There is the expected fresh farm produce, but also flowers, packaged foods, beauty care products, a leather shop, pottery, 3D-printed designs, jewelry, dog accessories, bakery items and much more.
There are woodworkers, a local author with a latest book and Hendricks County honey and maple syrup producers.
“A few new ones this year include Dudley’s Toffee and Kim’s Key Lime Cookies. We also have around 15 food and beverage vendors with a nice mix of smash burgers, Latin American cuisine, Southern food from Kych and boba vendors,” Schmitt says.
Not only can visitors to the market grab their produce for the week, shop for an upcoming birthday gift or home décor, they can also enjoy live music each week and dinner at the nearby picnic tables.
“I’ve heard several families talk about the kids and grandparents getting together on Wednesday evenings for dinner and shopping,” Schmitt says. “It’s a great way to connect with family and friends, and it’s always fun to see all the families gathering at the picnic tables.”
Live music is provided by new and seasoned farmers market musicians, including Mikey Goode, Peace Cats and Austin James, to name a few. Each week is themed, ranging from Wellness Day to the Back-to-School Celebration, and includes a special preview edition ahead of Hendricks County’s International Festival in August.
It’s become a long-standing tradition for many and, as you might expect, a farmers market serves more than one purpose.
Schmitt says there are economic benefits for the local community and a high return on investment. It’s shopping small on a weekly scale.
Farmers are picking fresh produce that morning, and customers are able to bring home the best ingredients for their home-cooked meals each week. The focus is on local farms, local artisans and local organizations, meaning the money stays local, too.
“There’s also dietary diversity,” Schmitt says. “Not only are you getting peak flavor and peak nutrition, but you can also try something new. Last year, I bought Swiss chard from one of our vendors. It’s grown locally in Indiana, and she gave me some different ways to prepare it. I had never had Swiss chard, but I really liked it, and it’s high in nutritional value.”
The price is fair, too. Customers receive quality products at a better price than many supermarkets, and many of the vendors accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.
Just Be Kind, a youth club in Plainfield that benefits local needs, has partnered with the Hendricks County Community Foundation to create the Sprout Bucks program. Children and seniors can receive $3 in Sprout Bucks to purchase frozen foods, fresh honey and unprepared meats.
“We hope it cultivates healthy habits and supports local children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 and older. This year, they’ve increased the amount they’re able to give, and it helps with expenses while supporting healthy living,” Schmitt says.
On the vendor side, the farmers market gives local business owners an outlet and connection to their customer base, and it serves as a launching pad for many.
“We’ve seen several vendors become brick-and-mortar businesses. I think they like to use the market to test the waters, to see if the business is worth pursuing,” Schmitt says. “Double D’s Southern BBQ set up a table and a smoker for several years. Then they started catering, then they bought a food truck. Now, they’re a brick-and-mortar business in Clayton.”
Carole Makes is another market success story. She got her start with a table and her bunny rabbits — she uses their fur to spin and dye yarn. After attending markets for a time, she purchased a yarn truck and traveled all over the country before opening a brick-and-mortar location in Plainfield this year.
“The businesses are growing, the entire community is coming together and this is the largest market we’ve ever had,” Schmitt says. “It’s really a great family event you won’t want to miss.”
For a complete list of vendors and themed market days, visit plainfield-in.com/plainfield-chamber-farmers-market.
