Farmers Markets: Support local growers and enjoy great products

By Andrea Busche

At last, spring is upon us, which means several things: warmer weather, pretty flowers, and farmers markets!

Farmers markets, featuring the hard work of talented growers, crafters and bakers, are an amazing community resource, and a huge part of the “buy local” movement. Today we highlight six local farmers markets, to learn what’s new in 2021.

BARKER’S ISLAND FARMERS MARKET

Sue Ann Dumke is market manager for the Barker’s Island Farmers’ Market, held at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior. This year’s market will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon from May 22 through Oct. 30. This summer will mark their 22nd year.

“Operating a farmers market safely during a pandemic has become the ‘new normal’ for us,” Dumke said. “Vendors are happy to do whatever they can to accommodate visitors to the market so that all feel safe and welcome. Many vendors offer the opportunity to place pre-orders for quick or curbside pickup at the market.

“This year, there will be fresh, locally grown veggies and fruit, locally raised meat and eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, salsa, pickles, annual and perennial plants, and crafts,” she added. “And, everything at the market is grown, raised or made by the vendors you meet at the market.”

Superior Downtown Farmers Market

Sue Ann Dumke is market manager for the Barker’s Island Farmers’ Market, held at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior.

FARMERS MARKET: Page 4

Farmers Market

From Page 3

This year’s market will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon from May 22 through Oct. 30. This summer will mark their 22nd year.

“Operating a farmers market safely during a pandemic has become the ‘new normal’ for us,” Dumke said. “Vendors are happy to do whatever they can to accommodate visitors to the market so that all feel safe and welcome. Many vendors offer the opportunity to place pre-orders for quick or curbside pickup at the market.

“This year, there will be fresh, locally grown veggies and fruit, locally raised meat and eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, salsa, pickles, annual and perennial plants, and crafts,” she added. “And, everything at the market is grown, raised or made by the vendors you meet at the market.”

Duluth Farmers Market

Amy Roper is the chairman of the Duluth Farmers Market’s cooperative board, and a local farmer. Roper said this year’s market will be held at the usual spot — their facility at the corner of 14th Avenue East and 3rd Street in Duluth. The Duluth Farmers Market has been in operation since 1911.

The market runs May through October and is open Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

“In the spring,” Roper said, “we will have plants of veggie and floral varieties, some early vegetables like lettuces, micro-greens, radishes, and herbs, plus honey products, meat, vinegars, fruit trees, eggs, and more!

“And, in the summer/fall, we will have everything else you normally expect at a local market [like pumpkins, squash, onions, apples, etc.]”

“Additionally, we will be introducing a craft market on the third Thursday of each month,” Roper said. “This will allow local artists the opportunity to sell their wares to our community.”

Grand Rapids Farmers Market

Jesse Davis is a garlic grower at Trout Lake Garlic, and director of publicity for the Grand Rapids Farmers’ Market. He shared that 2021 will be the market’s 36th year. Located at 11 Golf Course Road, the market will be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through October.

“The market will continue its pre-order and drivethru service for 2021,” Davis said. “Last season was a huge year for locals using SNAP food assistance at the market; over $27,000 in local food was sold to low-income families, making it one of the most successful programs in the state.

“We’re also hoping to bring back the extremely popular Power of Produce program after a COVID hiatus in 2020,” he added. “Kids get a $2 produce token each time they visit the market.

“Besides fresh produce, vendors also sell local beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, duck, quail and turkey. Eggs, mushrooms, pickles, jams and an impressive array of baked goods will be available, along with artisanal crafts and fresh tacos from the Singing Chihuahua Taco Truck.”

A+ Landscaping (dba) A+ Contractors & Garden Center

6150 Old Miller Trunk Hwy

Saginaw, MN 55779 • 218-729-9079

Open Apr. 16-Oct. 31

Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-6pm

• What is unique about your business?

We have a large selection for all your garden and landscaping needs. We are a one-stop shop!

• What are you excited about this year? Our online ordering and curbside pickup, and increased selection of indoor/house plants and new plants, shrubs and trees arriving weekly.

AJ Landscape Center

6386 Highway 2

Duluth, MN 55810 • 218-729-4686

Open May - October

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; varies Sat & Sun, please call

• What is unique about your business? We are your one-stop shop for rocks, mulches, garden soil, topsoil, trees, shrubs and perennials!

Anderson’s Greenhouse/Florist

1403 7th Ave.

Two Harbors, MN 55616 • 218-834-4837

Open Year Round Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-5pm; and Sundays Mother’s Day through June

• What is unique about your business? We have been in business since 1956 and are also a feed store. We are very careful with the pesticides that need to be used and we do not use or sell Round-Up (glyphosate).

• What are you excited about this year?

Many new succulent varieties, new proven winner varieties, the biggest ceramic pottery collection we’ve ever had. We always grow excellent pansies and viola. We have the largest selection of seeds including Renee’s Garden Cornucopia and Page’s Seed.

Beier’s Greenhouse

2707 Midway Lane

Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • 218-326-5357

Open Pending April 25-Sept. 1

Open daily. See website for hours

• What is unique about your business? Beier’s is proud to have been a familyowned business for over 60 years. We are unique in the fact that we grow almost everything we sell from a seed or plug — “Grown in the North for the Northern gardener.” We pride ourselves on researching and bringing you the newest and best varieties for our area.

• What are you excited about this year? We are excited this year for all of our new gardeners to return this Spring and of course our seasoned gardeners! We have a lot of new varieties of vegetables coming in this year including edible potted peppers and tomatoes – “Kitchen Minis” that are patio/table top varieties! We hope to highlight as many of these new varieties as we can in our emails, as well as having tips and tricks in our radio ads! Like us on Instagram and Facebook! We love posting pictures of all our plants as they start blooming! Please visit our website at www.beiersgreenhouse.com and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter where you can get sneak peeks at the weeks specials, first to know about upcoming events and special coupons!”