South Bend Farmer's Market Celebrates 100 Years with Vibrant New Mural

South Bend Farmer\'s MarketPhoto byABC 57

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Farmer's Market is marking its 100th anniversary with a series of festive events, starting this Saturday and continuing through the first week of June. The highlight of the celebration is the unveiling of a large-scale outdoor mural.

Renowned muralists Alex Ann Allen and Lauren Steinhofer will be on-site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to begin painting the mural, which will cover the entire west end of the market’s building at 1105 Northside Blvd. This artistic addition is funded by Visit South Bend Mishawaka and the City of South Bend’s Vibrant Places Matching Grant Program.

"Alex Ann Allen is a traveling multidisciplinary artist who grew up near the South Bend Farmer's Market and is excited to bring her art to this historic site," organizers said. "The primary focus of her work is portraiture and large-scale geometric murals. Alex is also the founder and lead curator of Mural Mania, an annual mural festival drawing artists from throughout the country to her native South Bend."

The South Bend Farmer's Market, incorporated in 1924, has been a staple of the community for a century. It continues to provide fresh, home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, poultry, eggs, maple syrup, jams, jellies, flowers, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, and unique gift items, just as it did in its early days.

The market is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a wide array of products that cater to the needs of the local community. This anniversary celebration not only honors the market's rich history but also highlights its ongoing role in supporting local artisans and farmers.

Bring your family and join the festivities to witness the creation of a mural that celebrates South Bend’s vibrant heritage and bright future.