Just before 8 a.m. vendors began setting up their booths, and customers began filling previously empty parking spaces waiting for Muncie's Farmers' Market at Minnetrista to begin. Signs reading, 'We only sell what we grow' and 'Fresh produce" welcomed the attendees.
According to the 2009 Indiana Farmers' Market, U-pick and Agritourism Directory, farmers' markets have grown by more than 18 percent since 1994. Indiana alone has about 150 farmers' markets that distribute 30 major fruits and vegetables.
Minnetrista premiered its first market in 2000 with intentions to raise marketing opportunities for farmers with small or medium sized farms.
Minnetrista's Marketing Manager Amanda Hicks said they have seen an increase in both vendors and customers, especially when comparing this year to last year. Minnetrista reported having between 20 and 25 vendors last summer, whereas they currently host more than 40 vendors. Also, last summer attendance was accounted as 400, and this year attendance has already reached 1,000 by May 23.
"We've gotten more vendors and even ran out of space this year. We even had to put vendors on a waiting list this year," Hicks said. "We've got presenters who do workshops and those are chosen based on what's relevant to the community and what's trendy at the time."
Minnetrista offers a variety of fresh meats, vegetables and fruit products that attract local residents of all ages.
"We're probably one of the biggest farmer's markets in the area and everything we have has to be from Indiana," Hicks said. "There just aren't a lot of events like the Garden Fair where you can see 40 or more vendors. If you want anything for outdoors, you'll see it here and every age group is represented on a typical day."
Senior art education major Sarah Zimmerman went to the farmers' market for the first time this weekend, searching for squash and zucchini. However, vendors explained that it may be a little too early to make that purchase.
"A friend had told me about some of the vegetables she got at the farmers' market and I wanted to go to try to find some," Zimmerman said. "It's just cool that you can get homemade and homegrown items to eat. There were a lot more people than I expected, but people were happy and friendly."
Other than providing consumers with foods they can buy to eat or grow, the farmers' market also provides a significant amount of income. According to the Directory, agriculture adds $25 billion each year to Indiana's economy through farm, food and forestry products.
Zimmerman says the products at the farmers' market are priced about the same or less than those in corporate grocery stores.
"I really liked what I saw and I plan on going back. I would really recommend it for those who have never been," Zimmerman said. "You can get healthy and organic food that is relatively affordable."
For special events volunteer Linda Garringer, the farmers' market is a chance to see families and the community support local grown food and socialize with others. Before moving to Muncie, Garringer would attend Minnetrista events with her sister Barb and she enjoyed the community atmosphere. The sisters are both members of Minnetrista and spend time helping out whenever they can.
"It's really nice when the Garden Fair is going on at the same time as the farmers' market because the people coming for one get exposed to the other, and it just works out that way," Garringer said. "Minnetrista, in general, is a place for total family involvement. There's educational displays for the kids and also activities parents can get involved in."
Hicks agrees, saying even students have a place at the farmers' market.
"We see young families, grandparents, a few Ball State students who are interested in organic foods and supporting local vendors," she said.
Five-year vendor Yvonne Feola from Feola Farms raises lambs and grows nearly every vegetable that can be grown in Indiana. Feola said that traveling 20 miles to Minnetrista's Farmers' Market has been well worth it.
"I like the whole idea of what they do here. You get local, organic food - but even more than that it's a place to meet people," Feola said. "A lot of people come just to have a good time on a Saturday."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
