June 3, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

If you want a small-town version of a farmers market, several communities in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties are sharing the bounty of local growers this season.

In addition to produce, you’ll find handmade goods at many of the markets — including two that are kicking off tonight in Canton and Hartford.

Here’s a look at the offerings.

Brandon Farmers Market

The farmers market in Brandon is open every Saturday now through Oct. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at 515 N. Splitrock Blvd.

In July and August, the market will expand to include Thursday nights. Those hours will be 4 to 7 p.m.

About 20 vendors are signed up this season, said organizer Julie Lanoue of Lanoue Gardens of Garretson.

Offerings include produce, potted plants, baked goods, wine, honey, eggs, beef and pork, salsas, dog treats and handmade items such as jewelry, birdhouses and crocheted goods.

There will be live music and food trucks every week.

See highlights of the vendors on the market’s Facebook page.

 

Canton Open Air Market

In its second year, the Canton Open Air Market is held every Thursday night from June through August in Jack Fox Park, which is north of the Lincoln County Courthouse.

Hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Eighteen vendors are signed up for the first week, said organizer Jenny Gubbels of Good Life Farms, which she and her husband started in 2019 on the west side of town.

In addition to produce, eggs, flowers and baked goods, shoppers will find handcrafted merchandise such as jewelry, soap, cards, photography, sewn items, and a couple of consultants for national merchandise companies.

Live music and food trucks are booked for every week, and sometimes groups like the Boys Scouts are there selling hot dogs or other food.

Find updates on the market’s Facebook page.

There’s also an informal farmers market that pops up on Wednesday evenings starting in June in the parking lot of The Canton Depot, 600 W. Fifth St.

Dell Rapids Farmers Market

The Dell Rapids Farmers Market will be open on five Saturdays mornings from late July through late September in the city park.

The market typically draws 18 to 20 vendors each week offering produce, baked goods and crafts, said Jennifer Mason, who organizes the events with her sister, Katy Hendrickson.

Hours and dates for the market are 9 a.m. to noon July 31, Aug. 14 and 28, and Sept. 11 and 25.

Find updates on the market’s Facebook page.

Downtown Hartford Market

The market that covers a couple of blocks on Main Street will be back on the first Thursdays of the month from June through September and on the last Thursday of September.

“We focus on homegrown and handmade vendors,” said Callie Tuschen, vice president of Downtown Hartford Inc. “We’re hoping to have a decent amount show up this year. … We’re always looking for more folks, especially produce and eggs and things like that. That’s the thing people are always looking for, and it gets bought up right away. It always sells out.”

Each market will feature live music and a food truck, and there’s usually an organization there every month selling food as a fundraiser.

Organizers also are planning activities for the kids this year, Tuschen said.

Hours are 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Find updates on Downtown Hartford’s Facebook page.

Farmer’s Market at Stacey’s Store

Stacey’s Vintage Art Boutique has added a weekly farmers market this year.

The open-air market with produce and handcrafted goods kicked off the season in May with 10 vendors and expects to grow, said Carrie Jenson, manager of the store at 27102 Albers Ave., which is along 271st Street, east of the Tea exit for Interstate 29.

Hours are 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through August, except for July 3 when the store is closed because of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Jenson is working to line up a food truck for every week.