Here's what to know as Columbia Farmers Market's summer markets begin

Summer markets are back at the Columbia Farmers Market. This is a chance for vendors to sell twice weekly instead of once per week.

The summer market schedule is 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays starting May 29 through Sept. 11. Roughly 30 vendors have signed up to provide a variety of fresh produce, meat, farm-fresh eggs, honey, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, along with food trucks and more, the market said in the announcement.

There are vendors who exclusively sell at the Wednesday summer market "making it a unique mid-week shopping experience," the announcement noted.

The Columbia Farmers Market prior to the COVID-19 pandemic held market days on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. That was pared back to just Saturdays like many other markets across the U.S. due to the pandemic, and summertime markets first were introduced 2022. They have continued annually since.

"Wednesday evenings are perfect for grabbing a quick dinner, shopping for groceries, and enjoying live music," the announcement added.

Farmers market vendors come from within a 50-mile radius of Columbia to sell at the MU Health Care Pavilion in Clary-Shy Park, 1701 W. Ash St. The market itself has a 44 year history.

Last year was a record-breaker, the announcement noted. More than 194,000 customers visited the market, and vendors sold more than $4.2 million worth of local products. Additionally, the market dispensed $227,236 in food incentive funds, including SNAP, SNAP/WIC matching, and the Produce Prescription Program.

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"Columbia Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a vibrant community hub. It offers a unique gathering space where people can connect with local producers, meet neighbors, learn about local agriculture and enjoy delicious, nutritious food," the announcement stated.

The 44th market season also marks the first time all vendors are under pavilion cover. The center section of the pavilion was the first one completed in 2019 and was fully built out by late 2023. While the pavilion is home to the market, it also serves as home base to what is known as Columbia's agriculture park. Crop land and education facilities for the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture are at the park; a groundbreaking is expected later this year on a CCUA welcome center directly adjacent to the pavilion.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.