WEST BEND — If recent torrential rains have left your garden a place where you can’t find joy right now, a local farmers market is offering options for those looking for fresh produce, flowers and plants.
Among them is the West Bend Farmers Market, which has been hailed as the No. 1 market in Wisconsin for the past two years by the American Farmers Market Celebration. Organized by the Downtown West Bend Association, the market has more than 100 vendors cheerfully selling their goods and wares despite the inclement weather.
“Despite the poor weather, the atmosphere at the market was cheerful and welcoming,” said event coordinator Philippe Fritsche.
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The market is open every Saturday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Depending on the season, vendors sell plants, produce, herbs, organically grown products, artisan crafts and prepared foods, rotating from plants and seedlings to fruit, meat, eggs, maple syrup, cheese, bakery products, spices, soaps, herbal products, apples, pumpkins, squash and prepared foods.
Multiple Purposes
For Susan Yancey of West Bend, the farmers market serves multiple purposes.
“First of all, you get fresh, local produce, which my family and I love,” she says. “Strawberries really just taste better when you know they were picked fresh to sell.”
From a more practical standpoint, farmers markets are convenient, especially during seasons when growing healthy plants can be a challenge in itself.
“I do a little bit of gardening at home, but it takes time,” she said, “and this year it seems like there’s more work than usual. For me, buying from local markets saves me time, plus I know I’m supporting local farmers who are working so hard to get through tough seasons and make sure we have local food.”
“I don’t know how I could miss that,” she said.
In West Bend, the weekly market is both an opportunity for community interaction and fun, as well as a chance to get your hands dirty.
“We’re on track to win the No. 1 spot for the third time this year by providing all our shoppers with great service, market selection and a fun, family-friendly environment,” Fritsche said.
