Happy National Farmers Market Week!

Dear Reader,

Farmers Markets nationwide celebrate the first full week of August for National Farmers Market Week to highlight the vital role that farmers markets play in their communities. In 2023, National Farmers Market Week celebration runs from August 6-12.

In Downtown Wabash, Indiana, we’re grateful for what our Farmers Market represents.

A community hub for friends and families to gather on Saturday mornings

For many in the community, it’s part of their summer routine to experience the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market. While shopping for weekly groceries, market explorers listen to live music, catch up with friends and family members, enjoy hot breakfast, drink coffee, smell fresh-cut flowers, learn about someone’s livelihood and so much more. To us, this level of consistency for the community is what being Local is all about. 

A starting place for future entrepreneurs

In the heart of Downtown Wabash, Indiana, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market has become the perfect starting point for future entrepreneurs. New Handmade, Homemade & Homegrown businesses choose to join our Market as their first exposure with the community. In 2023, 11 new entrepreneurs have chosen the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market as their starting point. These entrepreneurs range in age from 10 years or older. No matter the age, we’re happy to have vendors who are following their passions.  

A network of farmers, growers & makers that learn from and support each other and their community

The saying is true: it takes a village. Vendors at the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market strive to see one another succeed and are willing to lend a helping hand to make success happen. Whether it’s a product collaboration shared on social media or purchasing one another’s product, these vendors have each others’ backs. 

That doesn’t go to say that friendly competition doesn’t happen, however. See pictured, #FarmerCharlie from Charlie’s Hoops & Coops pointing to a sign from RiverRidge Farms that says: “Better than Farmer Charlie Green Beans”. By the end of the Market, Farmer Charlie was the sold-out champion of the “2023 Green Bean Challenge”. 

Many of our vendors reach out a helping hand to the community, too. When there is left over produce at the end of a Market day, our vendors donate their crop to local food banks. When there is a local fundraiser, our vendors are sure to contribute. 

An inclusive space that offers fresh food options for all

The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT benefits to provide all local families the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. To learn more about SNAP, check out this blog. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is proud to partner with Double Up Indiana, a program providing SNAP customers free fruits and vegetables when they use their SNAP/EBT card with a dollar for dollar match.

Where learning about agriculture happens in an urban environment

While crop fields surround Wabash County, there are few agriculture experiences in the Downtown footprint. The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market provides opportunities for children & adults to learn about agriculture through our vendors providing information, kids activities that involve live farm animals, and demonstrations provided by Wabash County Purdue Extension. 

Serves as an economic driver

In 2022, the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market’s 47 vendors brought in more than $150,000 in revenue, making a significant financial impact. According to American Express, 67¢ of every dollar spent at local farms and small businesses stays within the local economy. 

Promotes Downtown Vitality

The Downtown Wabash Farmers Market is a program provided by Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a Downtown District that is vibrant day & night. Curating the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market for the community to enjoy every Saturday in May-September exponentially increases vitality in the district and offers collaboration between the Farmers Market and other entities & small businesses in the district.

So without further adieu, we would like to cordially invite you to…

JOIN US IN CELEBRATION of National Farmers Market Week! On August 12, 2023 the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market will be PACKED full of activities to show just how much we love our Market & our community. 

Taste testing stamping map

Children & families can pick up a stamping map at the kids corner (east end of the Market) and explore new foods by visiting each vendor booth on the stamping map. Receive a stamp from each vendor listed, and turn the map back in for a prize! Kids aged 0-5 can earn a BABE of Wabash County coupon for participating.

Gift Basket Giveaway

Enter to win a gift basket curated with products from vendors at our Market. To enter, simply drop your name and phone number into a bucket on the back of a ticket, either at the Information Booth or a participating vendor. One lucky winner will be drawn at the end of the Market Day on August 12, 2023.  

Fire Truck Rides

Market explorers can hop a ride on the Wabash County Museum’s Fire Truck from the Farmers Market to the Museum. 

Live Music

Listen to live music from Sam Deturk (also known as, the ukulele lady) from 9 a.m -Noon 

Along with activities, over 40 vendors will be ready to greet you at the Market, along with our Market Coordinator, Carly from 8 a.m.-Noon. Give them a thank you to show how much you 💚 the Downtown Wabash Farmers Market. We can’t wait to see you there.