MONTICELLO — The City of Monticello kicked off the 19th season of its popular outdoor farmers market on Thursday, May 16, with a few new vendors joining the mix this year.
Held weekly on Thursday afternoons from May through September, rain or shine, each market runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m., in the parking lot of the Monticello Public Library, located at 200 W. 6th St.
On opening day, although it’s still early in the growing season, fresh, seasonal produce included asparagus from Milaca-based Greenbush Farms.
“It’s a really good time to get asparagus and fresh herbs,” said Sara Cahill, the program and operations manager at the Monticello Community Center, who has organized the farmers market since its inception.
May is also when rhubarb and bedding plants hit the market, according to its harvest calendar.
Local vendors have been preparing all winter to bring shoppers the best locally grown and produced foods, plants, hand-crafted items and more.
In addition to fresh veggies, some of the items on offer from the nearly 20 vendors taking part this year include mushrooms, canned goods, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, plants, trees and flowers.
In addition to many returning vendors, several newbies have joined for the 19th season to sell their products. That includes fresh-cut flowers from Come Summer Farm in Maple Lake; hand-crafted wood items and gifts from 89th and Oak in Monticello; microgreens, olive oil, vinegar and seasonings from Bridgeview Gardens out of Princeton; and organic, superfood and açaí smoothie bowls from Adventure Bowls, a Buffalo-based food truck.
Each week, the market hosts live entertainment. The opening day event featured music from solo acoustic artist Todd Michael Jameson.
In addition to live music, Cahill also likes to get the arts community involved in the farmers market. That included MontiArts, which brought its “art car” to the opening-day event — and will be returning on May 30.
“People are welcome to bring small plastic toys to help decorate the art car,” Cahill said. “It’s so cool. It’s a little Volkswagon bug that just keeps getting decorated.”
Cahill also likes to fill any open booths with art vendors. Artists should contact her at 763-271-7124 or sara.cahill@ci.monticello.mn.us to reserve their spot.
As the season ramps up during the summer, the market will once again bring back its “Kids Power of Produce” program in July.
“That’s where kids get tokens to buy fresh fruits and vegetables,” Cahill said. “That’s pretty popular. And they also get a tote bag to carry their loot.”
And more fun activities are certain to hit the market throughout the season: “You never know what might pop up,” Cahill said.
The Monticello Farmers Market has become a popular spot to see friends and neighbors, socialize, listen to live music and shop, all while supporting local farmers, food producers and artisans.
Every vendor at the market accepts cash, credit/debit and EBT cards.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/montimarket or www.ci.monticello.mn.us/395/Farmers-Market.
Those interested in serving as a vendor at the market can apply on the city’s website.
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