March 28, 2024

Prairie City Farmer’s Market kick-off is May 31

PCM FFA student wins market poster contest

As the temperatures slowly climb and the trees show signs of green, Iowans get ready for fresh produce, baked goods, trinkets and antiques for sale in the small town squares. And Prairie City is no exception.

The Prairie City Farmer’s Market will return this spring with a kick-off celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 31. According to market director Kirsten Weiland, this year’s farmers market will be every Thursday through Sept. 27 on the west side of Garden Square Park.

Some favorites returning this year will be the Cocina Hernandez taco truck from Colfax, Upstream Gardens, Bell Farms of Runnells and Macie Rorabaugh of Colfax will return with to sell fresh eggs.

New this year is fresh produce and baked goods from Karen and Richard Karen Kollasch of Colfax, a Scentsy distributor and a sweet corn vendor. Weiland said in all she has 13 vendor applications submitted and eight businesses that have expressed verbal interest.

But the farmer’s market is still accepting applications throughout the course of the season.

“I’d like to see more growth,” Weiland said. “Hopefully we’ll continue to pick-up new vendors along the way.”

Vendor fees are $5 per week or $75 to reserve a spot for the season.

Weiland said the farmer’s market is still looking for volunteers and sponsors for the “Kids Zone.” The children’s activity area will have side walk chalk and jump rope, but Weiland is looking for sponsors to create and host more activities.

Market volunteers are also planning to book live entertainment, including music, for each market. Artists interested in a spot can register on a SignUpGenius linked to the Prairie City Farmer’s Market Facebook page.

To draw people’s eye, Prairie City Farmer’s Market hosted an inaugural contest to design this season’s promotional poster. This year’s winner was PCM FFA member Blake Van Der Kamp.

“The contest is meant to encourage high school students to get more involved and so the market can have a different marketing poster every year,” Weiland said. “It will be used throughout the season.”

Van Der Kamp was presented the framed original of his poster artwork and $50 in PC Bucks at Saturday’s PCM FFA banquet. For those interested in volunteering, being a vendor or sponsor, message the market on Facebook or call Weiland at 515-447-0948.

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@myprairiecitynews.com