Fort Atkinson Farmers Market debuts first market of the season

FORT ATKINSON — Farmers, jewelry makers, crafters, bakers and more basked in Saturday morning’s sunshine to celebrate the first Fort Atkinson Farmers Market of the season.

From 8 a.m. to noon on Milwaukee Ave., shoppers were able to peruse about 30 booths accompanied by live music from saxophone soloist Emmet Fettig. Consistent temperatures in the high 60’s made for perfect opening event conditions, market manager Aimee Leonard said.

“We have some beautiful weather and lots of smiling faces,” she said. “Everybody seems happy and there’s a good energy here today.”

Several vendors reported high foot traffic throughout the morning, and some even sold out of items before packing up.

“We brought over 45 pounds of asparagus and 25 dozen eggs, and those went quick,” Dave Booth of Morningside Farm said. He and his wife, Robin, hosted their business out of a camper on Saturday and look forward to offering a wide variety of peppers, tomatoes, melons, goat milk soaps and flowers throughout the season.

While the Fort Atkinson Winter Markets hosted at Purdy Elementary School were a success in the colder months, Leonard said she looks forward to the rest of the outdoor season, especially while offering more creative opportunities for attendees.

“The big thing that people are going to notice for a change this year is that we have crafters with us every weekend now, instead of having one crazy weekend at the end of every month,” she said.

To celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, the market on May 11 will include a Write On The River event for participants to craft cards and meet local authors complete with book signings.