Vermillion area Farmers Market is in full swing
The Vermillion Area Farmers market first started 10 years ago with just a small stand of produce left over from a garden.
Today, the market has grown more than 12 vendors.
“It’s kind of a free for all, but it is a producer-only market so it has to be something you grew or made yourself from local products,” said Amy Schweinle, the president of the market board.
This summer, the market is open twice a week at two different locations. Thursdays, the market is located the Clay County Fair Grounds on the corner of Cherry and High Streets. The market is also open on Saturdays in downtown Vermillion on the corner of Market and Main Streets.
The market has seen both good and bad results of this year’s summer heat and dry weather.
“It’s impacting everyone,” Schweinle said. “We have a guy who sells lamb and it was so hot and dry one day that he had to stay home to take care of them.”
While there have been some hard impacts from the weather, the heat has caused produce to grow more quickly and be available earlier in the year than expected.
“We had that big stretch of heat but the market this year has greatly increased,” Schweinle said. “We have had more sales and more customers.”
The market is family friendly. Along with various vendors, there is also a kids tent and an education tent. The kids tent features activities for children to participate in while their parents shop the market, while the education tent has information on gardening and related activities.
“We really encourage anyone who wants to get involved to check it out. It’s a great community atmosphere,” Schweinle said.
University of South Dakota students are encourage to get involved, and are welcome to set up a booth for free. Any one interested in getting more information is encouraged to contact [email protected] or check out the market website at vafm.wordpress.com
Market Hours:
- Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Clay County Fair Grounds (Corner of Cherry and High street).
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Down Town Vermillion (Corner of Market and Main).
