Debbie Bearden told Iola Rotarians Thursday she is looking for help to enhance the Farmers Market experience in downtown Iola on Thursday evenings.
She seeks entertainers, as well as people to read to children and to provide cooking demonstrations.
“If you can think of someone, encourage them or tell me,” said Bearden, who represents Allen County Farm Bureau in sponsorship of the weekly event. Thrive Allen County is co-sponsor, with a role of making available fresh vegetables and fruit to prompt healthy eating in the county.
This is the fifth year of the Farmers Market on the Allen County Courthouse square.
“The first year we had more than 60 vendors,” Bearden recalled, with numbers settling in at 35 to 45 the past four years. “We have about 20 signed up for the season,” with others coming now and again.
Advantage this year is that “this spring has been a beautiful growing season,” she said, which should yield ample and varied vegetables and fruits well into summer. Also, vendors offer baked goods, crafts and even handmade toys.
Bearden pointed out the market can be the starting point for a business.
Stacy Mueller got her start with cakes, cookies and breads at the Farmers Market and now has a full-time business, Stacy Cakes, at 804 Bridge St. in Humboldt, including a deli.
The market is open from 5:30 to 7:30 each Thursday evening.
