Monona, Marquette proud homes to farmers markets this season
Local residents can find a variety of goods at farmers markets in Marquette (shown here) and Monona this summer and fall. The Marquette market will begin Friday, May 25, at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, and continue every Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m., through mid-October. Monona’s market will kick off Wednesday, May 30, at Gateway Park. It will run each Wednesday, from 3 to 6 p.m. (NIT file photo)
By Rachel Mergen, North Iowa Times
As spring comes to a conclusion and summer begins to make its way, farmers market season is commencing. The area is proud to have two markets open that will be offering a variety of locally grown and created goods, located in Marquette and Monona.
Anna Herzmann, an employee and vendor at Kyle and Mari Holthaus’ Kymar Acres, gained interest in farmers markets 10 years ago, after having watched her sister’s market stand blossom into a successful business.
Herzmann, who can be found at the Marquette market, believes one of the biggest benefits to the community that farmers markets offer are their effects on the economy. It is not simply people buying their produce locally, but it’s also the money the vendors earn being spent at area businesses.
She is proud to offer “everything” imaginable at the stand she manages. Included on her long list of goods are potted herbs, jams, pickles, baked goods like turnovers, vegetables and eggs.
“The more we put in, the more we get back,” Herzmann remarked. She enjoys being involved with the community and having the opportunity to communicate with them while selling her products.
The Marquette Farmers Market, located at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, will start on Friday, May 25. The market will be open each Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m., until mid-October. Brochures will be available at the opening market that will list upcoming specials and events that will occur throughout the farmers market season.
The market will be home to stands run by Kymar Acres, Busy Bee’s, Robert Jelinek, Highlandville Honey Farm, Elsinger Family Farms, BuckingLamb Palace, Cheryl Corlett and Stagman’s Lawn Ornaments, with more possibly being added. If interested in being a vendor at the Marquette Farmers Marquette, contact the market manager at (563) 873-3537 or driftlessareawetlandcentreia@gmail.com. Additional information can be found at driftlessareawetlandcentre.com.
The Monona Farmer Markets’ Sonya Stagman is delighted to bring to the community woodworking, baked goods and more. Also available at the market will be handmaid doll and baby clothes created from a variety of materials, produce from local gardens and other unique items.
Stagman said, “I enjoy seeing the people and getting to talk to them.” She is pleased by the questions visitors ask her about her products and her own vegetables.
Each year, she works to adapt her products to the ever-changing wants of the community. If a consumer is unable to find a certain vegetable that they are interested in at the store, she works to plant it herself so she may offer it next year. She will also find recipes that suit needs like gluten intolerances or the want for less sugar-filled desserts.
The Monona Farmers Market will begin its season on Wednesday, May 30, and will be open every Wednesday, from 3 to 6 p.m., in Gateway Park. To join the market as a vendor, contact Stagman at (563) 536-2371.
