The 18th annual Downtown Farmers Market and Art & Craft Market in historic Pioneer Park at 300 South and 300 West started this month. Locals from all over the valley come downtown bright and early to get their fresh, local grown breads, fruits and vegetables and even candles, soup, jerky and art from vendors that have made their name known in Salt Lake City.
The Downtown Alliance (downtownslc.org) presents the 2010 marketplace to open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 12 – Oct. 18 and Tuesday evenings from Aug. 3 – Oct. 14. The market-with over 250 vendors-offers a unique variety of farmers, growers, bakeries, prepared food and beverages, packaged foods and local artisans.
This year, the Farmers Market has expanded its area to stretch across the entire park, where shoppers can now circle the entire park and stop at tents rather than just one sidewalk. Most vendors are local and sell their products in stores across the states.
All vendors agree that the two main reasons they come to the Farmers Market is to meet their customers and to sell their products directly from the farm into the hands of customers, making 100 percent of the profits.
At the Farmers Market you’ll find better deals with almost every tent offering a sale or a price cut and lots of samples.
“Spend some time strolling the aisles at Utah’s largest farmers market,” said Kim Angeli-Selin, Market Manager. “In addition to seasonal offerings, the market offers the most eclectic brunch in town as well as a juried art and craft market with more than 80 booths displaying local, handmade treasures. We have a full season of programming to complement the market including cooking demonstrations and tastings, live music, kids’ activities and more.”
A few tips for your Farmers Market visit:
• Bring a bag with you
• Come hungry because there are plenty of samples and interesting foods to buy and taste
• Only bring as much cash as you want to spend and don’t even think about visiting the ATM at the Market
• Allow enough time to casually walk around and take it all in
• Don’t leave without the fresh dried cherries on the northwest side
• Pumpkin blossom honey near the northwest entrance is another favorite.
• Take the TRAX or ride a bike. Parking is impossible and you can either lock your bike or take it to the Bike Valet on 400 West for a decent price.