Keeping things fresh and local at the market

Saturday mornings in Bloomington mean one thing: It’s market day.

Showers Plaza fills with a bustling crowd of patrons making their way through a multitude of tent-covered stands selling meat, dairy and locally grown produce. Live bluegrass music serenades the shoppers as they stroll. The market-goers delight in grass-fed beef, leafy greens and fresh herbs. The Bloomington Farmers’ Market is an oasis of local, organic and handcrafted goods — any food lover’s paradise.

Located in Showers Plaza just beside City Hall, the farmer’s market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday beginning in April and lasting through November.

The market began in July 1975 as a space for Indiana farmers and community members to convene to buy and sell goods. It started with only 23 vendors interested in selling their goods directly to patrons without the middle men of grocery stores.

Today, the market has grown substantially to include vendors selling both raw ingredients and farm products. Whole fruits and vegetables, dried and fresh herbs, spices, seeds, plants, cultured mushrooms, wild collected mushrooms, eggs, honey, flowers, potted plants, maple syrup and nuts are just some of the raw goods available for sale.

Partially-preserved foods such as jellies and jams, cider, dried fruit and preserved meat are also for sale. According to the city’s website, all goods must be grown and cultivated by growers in Indiana.

Another evolution to occur since the market’s origin 35 years ago is the acceptance of food stamps. Traditional food stamps are transferred into a marketplace-only currency known as “Market Bucks.” “Market Bucks” can be redeemed at most vendors’ stands.
In addition to the traditional market, a local artisan festival occurs every second Saturday of the month from May through October. A Fair of the Arts takes place in the lot adjacent to the Farmer’s Market square.

The Tuesday Market is open from 4 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday from June 1 through September 28. It is located at Sixth and Madison streets next to Bloomingfoods on the west side.

 — Madeline Wukusick