Lake Lorraine launches farmers market
June 19, 2019
The more than 30,000 Sioux Falls residents who live west of Interstate 29 near Lake Lorraine will no longer have to commute across town for fresh produce like that offered at the other three Sioux Falls farmers markets.
The Lake Lorraine Farmers Market will operate out of the parking lot west of the lake development from 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday starting this week.
Five vendors have committed to spaces, but only Hanisch Farms, Orange Creek Farms and Warner Produce will be at this week’s market.
Dakota Mushrooms & Microgreens will make its debut at the market in July, and That Pickin Patch will offer produce such as pumpkins, gourds and ears of corn starting in the fall.
The intention is to start small, according to Lake Lorraine community director Amy Smolik.
Smolik said she’s happy with the diversity of the vendors so far, but the vast amount of space at Lake Lorraine would allow the market to take on more vendors if they apply.
A few local businesses are making their own contributions to turning Thursday nights at Lake Lorraine into a popular destination for shoppers.
Anytime Fitness will offer a free first-come-first-serve outdoor fitness class from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. in the grassy area behind the facility. Participants must be at least 18, wear closed-toe shoes and sign a waiver provided by Anytime Fitness.
The boutqiue Love Marlow is offering a 10 percent farmers market discount on Thursdays, and Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery will sell all cupcakes for $3 during market hours.
Pahl’s Designer Showroom is moving its Thursday closing time from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. so that it’s operational for the duration of the market, and Smolik said as the market becomes more established she imagines more Lake Lorraine businesses will create opportunities for people to stop in.
For the third summer in a row The SandBar & Grill will host live music on Thursday nights, which will only add to the market experience, Smolik said.
“We all win when we work together to bring people to the lake,” she said.
All vendor updates are posted to the Lake Lorraine Facebook page or its website, and Smolik said customers should watch the page for more new and unique opportunities offered at the Lake Lorraine Farmers Market.
