Heather flaunts our chard at the Duncan Farmer’s Market.
It’s a beautiful Saturday and you have someone you want to entertain: friends, family, yourself. You’re in luck. The Duncan Farmers Market runs from 9am to 2pm every Saturday through the summer months, and it’s a wonderful place to shop, run into old friends and spend a few hours relaxing in the open air.
For those who have never explored our local downtown farmers market, here are a few tips to make your experience even more enjoyable:
- Prepare to spend a few hours at the market so you can see everything. The market runs down Ingram Street as well as in City Square, with more than 100 vendors in the peak season.
- Give yourself time to visit with the friends you will inevitably run into.
- Bring cash, as well as credit/debit cards. Most vendors only accept cash, but vendors who sell $10+ items tend to accept cards as well.
- Bring reusable shopping bags to hold your separate purchases.
- If you’re in the market for vegetable or flower seedlings, bring a flat carrying tray, like a cardboard pop can flat, to hold your plants without damaging them, or even a wagon.
- Bring a friend or family member along. There’s something at the market for everyone, with live music, children’s clothing, fresh vegetables, beauty products and dog cookies.
- People-friendly dogs are welcome on a leash: some vendors put out drinking water, and there are shady rest areas, such as the Green Door Society house on Ingram Street.
- If it’s hot out, bring a water bottle, wear a hat and sunscreen, and take advantage of the shady rest areas.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the vendors about their products. Our market is a “make it, bake it, grow it” market: you’re buying from proud, local producers and artisans.
- Plan to eat downtown if possible, at a market food truck or downtown restaurant.
- Take time to check out some of the local businesses that make a point of being open on Saturdays to add to the market experience.
Hope to see you there!