Community Farmers' Market to begin spring growing season

An annual Bloomington tradition begins Friday at Eighth and Morton streets in Showers Common.\nAt 7 a.m. the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market will open for the first Saturday of its 32nd season. Admission and parking are free. \nThe market, which was originally held in Third Street Park with 23 farm vendors, began its annual tradition in 1975. In more recent years, the market has averaged about 95 vendors a week at its present location next to City Hall. \nMarcia Veldman, the Farmers' Market coordinator, said the main attraction at the market is being able to purchase fresh products from Indiana farms. \n"Everything is grown in Indiana, with the vast majority of vendors being from within 60 miles of the market," Veldman said. \nProduce items sold at the market vary from season to season. Market shoppers this month can expect a wide assortment of spring greens including lettuce, kale, chard, cabbage, spinach and specialty greens as well as grass-fed beef and pork and world-class goat cheese. \nAnyone who wishes to sell his or her home-grown products is welcome at the market, but must submit an application and contract to the City of Bloomington's Parks and Recreation Department prior to selling. \nThere is more to find at the market than just farm-grown produce. The Market Café and the Scholar's Inn Bakehouse offer bread and other ready-to-eat food. The market is a haven for local musicians who perform weekly and add to the festive atmosphere.\n"The market has often been referred to as the best free music venue in town," Veldman said. \nBeginning in May, a juried art and crafts fair will be held the second Saturday of each month, where more than 30 local artists will showcase their talents.\nMost patrons of the market are Monroe County residents and Hoosiers from nearby counties in south central Indiana. Velman said it is less common to see IU students wandering the market because of the early Saturday morning schedule. \n"A lot of graduate students and faculty from IU come to the market," she said. "I think the hours may discourage some undergrads, but it really is worth getting up for." \nThe Farmers' Market also provides volunteer opportunities. Each Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon, the market has one volunteer at the Parks and Recreation booth to provide information about both the market and general parks programming. \nKim Ecenbarger, special services coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department, said potential volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation session before they can work at the market. \nEcenbarger said she believes that volunteering at the Bloomington Farmer's Market is a worthwhile experience.\n"The Farmers' Market is a community favorite," she said. "It's not only a place where community members can find fresh produce, but it's a weekly event where people meet and enjoy the morning. It just has a Bloomington feel to it."\nThe Farmers' Market is a seasonal fixture in the Bloomington area and organizers say it succeeds in providing people with the opportunity to mingle and buy quality home-grown products.\n"Our goal is to create an attractive, festive atmosphere for people to come together in and buy fresh, local farm product directly from the farmer thereby supporting small farms, securing a local food source and enriching the community," Veldman said.\nFor more information on the market, contact Marcia Veldman at 349-3738 or visit the Parks and Recreation Department Web site at www.bloomington.in.gov/parks. For volunteer information, contact Ecenbarger at 349-3739.