Farmers Market back on square

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May 1, 2014 - 12:00 AM

The Allen County Farmers Market, now in its fifth year, again has taken up residence in the first block of South Washington Avenue adjacent to the courthouse square on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The market opened April 17 and will continue to Oct. 9. It gives gardeners and others an outlet for vegetables, baked goods and any number of other edibles.

“Right now you can find eggs, beef and chicken, a variety of cool-season vegetables, like asparagus and mustard greens,” said Debbie Bearden, Farm Bureau board secretary and market manager.

The current market is a revival. The initial one ran for 18 years on the north side of the downtown square before issues with sales tax discouraged vendors. Iola was without a market for five years.

When revival was considered it took about a year to get things shipshape.

Bearden said organizers looked at “boards and bylaws and different types of governance stuff because it needs to be sustainable. It needs to be an entity that doesn’t rely on one person’s presence or involvement.”

Allen County Farm Bureau and Thrive Allen County worked together on keep the market humming along.

To date, 13 vendors have signed on for this year. Cost for vendors is $40 for a season or $5 a week, with registration available each Thursday.

In addition to the market sales, special events are scheduled, including cooking demonstrations. A reading round-up barn will make an appearance as often as possible, depending on volunteers to read to kids.

It’s a portable barn that has books about accurate (agricultural) topics, such as raising beef, goats or gardens,” Bearden said. 

Entertainment also is a feature.

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