Farmers’ Market Returns to Square
The reopening of the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market April 7 brought local vendors and customers to the downtown Square for fresh, locally grown produce and other products.
Vendors from Fayetteville and surrounding regions meet Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market runs annually between April and November.
The market was established in 1974 and has since grown to include more than 60 vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, meats, baked goods and art. The variety of goods makes for a “feast for the eyes, ears and palate, with a riot of color, aromas and sounds,” according to the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market website.
Saturdays, the farmers’ market hosts special performances by local musicians and street performers. During these times, the market is generally at its peak attendance.
Since its opening, the Farmers’ Market has been a popular haunt of Fayetteville locals, tourists and UA students.
“I always try to go to the farmers’ market every Saturday. It’s definitely worth waking up early for,” said sophomore Keeley Treece. “I love knowing that the produce I am purchasing is not only fresh, but contributes to the success of farmers and vendors local to the area.”
The American Farmland Trust deemed the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market as the nation’s 5th best farmers’ market August 31, 2011. The farmers’ market was also labeled as the best farmers’ market in Arkansas, according to the American Farmland Trust website.
“Anyone who has been to the farmers’ market wouldn’t be surprised that it was nationally ranked,” said sophomore Kayla Hooker. “The atmosphere is the best part in my opinion, the flowers smell amazing, the people are friendly and the market is dog-friendly.”
The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market has also opened up a second market at another venue. The Mills District of the Ozark Botanical Gardens hosts the second market located off of Crossover Road. This venue generally includes anywhere from 20 to 30 venders, according to the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market website. The venue operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays and runs from May through October.
