The summer market is back at the Columbia Farmers Market, a chance for vendors to sell twice a week instead of once a week.
The summer market schedule is every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. from May 29 through September 11. Approximately 30 vendors have signed up to offer fresh produce, meats, farm-fresh eggs, honey, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, food trucks and more, according to a release from the market.
The announcement noted that some vendors will only be selling at the Wednesday summer market, “creating a unique weekday shopping experience.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Columbia Farmers Market hosted markets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Due to the pandemic, like many other markets across the U.S., it was shortened to Saturdays only and introduced its first summer market in 2022. It has been held annually since then.
“Wednesday nights are the perfect time to grab a quick dinner, do some grocery shopping or enjoy live music,” the announcement added.
Farmers market vendors come from within a 50-mile radius of Columbia and sell at the MU Healthcare Pavilion in Clary Shy Park, 1701 W. Ash St. The market itself is 44 years old.
Last year was a record-breaking year, according to the release. More than 194,000 customers visited the market and vendors sold more than $4.2 million worth of local products. Additionally, the market distributed $227,236 in food incentive funds, including SNAP, SNAP/WIC matching and produce prescription programs.
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“The Columbia Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop; it's a vibrant community hub, providing a unique gathering place where people can connect with local producers, get to know their neighbors, learn about local agriculture and enjoy delicious, nutritious food,” the release said.
The 44th market season will also be the first where all vendors will be held under the roof of the pavilion, the central portion of which was completed first in 2019, with full construction planned by late 2023. As well as being home to the market, the pavilion also serves as the hub for what will be known as Columbia's Agricultural Park. The park is home to the cropland and education facilities of the Columbia Urban Agriculture Center, and a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the CCUA Welcome Center later this year, located directly next to the pavilion.
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Charles Dunlap covers local government, community news and general topics for the Tribune. He can be reached at [email protected] or translator on Twitter. Subscribe to support important local journalism.
