Riecker Chiropractic
Jasper Farmers' Market to Open For the Season This Weekend
FROM THE JASPER FARMERS' MARKET
JASPER -- The Jasper Farmers’ Market will begin its 16th season on Saturday, May 23th, from 8am to 12pm on the green North of the Jasper Train Depot at Jackson Street and 3rd Avenue.
Our market began its mission in 2005 with the purpose to provide a source of income to local producers, fresh and local produce to customers, and a gathering place to create and develop a greater sense of community. This would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of the Greater Downtown Jasper Business Association, the City of Jasper, and the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.
Last year, we signed up four producers to accept coupons from the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. This is a program offered through WIC to reduce food insecurity and make available healthier food choices to participants. Also, we will continue to accept Fresh Bucks and offer them to the local WIC office.
As is our tradition, the Jasper Farmers’ Market strives to be a producer-only market that requires vendors or their family to grow what is being sold. Our shoppers pride themselves in knowing where their food comes from and the people producing.
Soon produce vendors will offer strawberries, radishes, herbs, peas, rhubarb and other items available in early spring. Other food vendors will have eggs, beef, pork, chicken, jellies, and pies for sale. They also offer pretzels, fresh breads, cinnamon rolls, and muffins. Gluten free items may also be available.
The Jasper Farmers’ Market also welcomes local artisans. I expect we will see clothes, soaps, lawn furniture, jewelry, toys and more. We even have a face painter that frequents the market.
And, of course, new vendors are welcome to participate any Saturday.
This year, of course, includes a new hurdle as communities struggle to deal with COVID-19. Our goal is for everyone to be safe. We will be following the guidelines of our state Governor as well as the Dubois County Health Department.
In following those guidelines we have made a few temporary changes. Food sampling is prohibited and events are postponed. As well, we ask our vendors and customers to think of others by being patient in lines, practicing safe distancing from others and wearing a mask as much as possible.
We encourage everyone to sanitize their hands frequently.
The Jasper Farmers’ Market relies on the honesty and integrity of each vendor to sustain the market’s spirit and become a good neighbor. We look forward to seeing you there.