The Sioux City Farmers Market launched its 11th season on May 1, 2019.
“Elsie, look at the flowers.”
The local Farmers Market is a family affair for Cassie Chilton of Sioux City.
“I brought my daughter Elsie and mother Karen.”
Chilton strolls along with her 5-month-old with grandma looking on.
“We love it. Last summer we came almost every weekend. I usually don’t come on Wednesday, but today I was able to. We get some honey, some coffee, maybe popcorn and fresh eggs.
Becky Kempers is the Market Manager.
“We have 14 new vendors coming in this year. Anything from fresh flowers, to bake goods and pork rinds and more ready-to-eat foods too.”
“We have a lot of produce vendors, a lot of ready-to-eat Coffee and Nosh is here with their breakfast bowls and coffee and more drink items. We have flower vendors, a lot of flower vendors. Basically anything you find in a grocery store you can find here too.”
“The produce is picked within 24 hours so you know it is fresh.”
In all, more than 40 vendors plan to take part in this year’s outdoor destination, some for a few days, others for the whole season.
“I’m Aaron Mallet the owner of Mallet Bees near Salix, Iowa. I do all my own beekeeping. We grow about three acres of produce too we sell at farmer’s markets, craft fairs and even three Hy-Vees and a Fareway in Sergeant Bluff.”
Aaron Mallet is a fixture here every Wednesday and Saturday.
“What do you like about the Farmer’s Market?” It’s just a really good community, where people come and support local farmers. It’s a good outlet for us local producers too. Where we can count on to get rid of our stock.”
Aaron Mallet also counts on his mom, Mary. She’s by his side on opening day.
"I help Aaron with his beekeeping operation some of the produce. We sell jams and a few other things too. What flavors of jam do you have? We have fun jams, we have bear jams. The berries that bear eat, toe jam, traffic jam. Plus, some more traditional ones.”
“It’s actually been pretty good. A lot of people came out to support us even though it’s 40 degrees. I’m happy with it. I think it’s going to be a good season,” said Aaron Mallet.
Market Manager Becky Kempers says the Farmers Market still goes on rain or shine or even snow with some vendors traveling a bit of a distance.
“We have people come from within 100 miles including someone from Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy near Honey Creek, Iowa by Omaha so that’s a long drive on a Saturday. They make goat and sheep cheese.”
“We are a community event. Everyone who comes stays for at least 40 minutes. They come with their kids it’s just a great place to gather.”
And, Cassie Chilton, and her young daughter, Elsie agree.
“It’s just a great community event. Great to get out and support Sioux City.”
The Sioux City Farmer’s Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays through October on the west side of the Tyson Events Center from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.