The Southwest Community Farmers Market had a grand opening on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. and will continue every Wednesday through Oct. 1 in the Orchard Ridge UCC Church parking lot, 1501 Gilbert Road.
Pictures from opening day, June 24
The idea to start a new market stemmed from a group of southwest Madison residents who wanted to provide an outlet of fresh, locally grown and made products.
Lisa Veldran, a member of the Southwest Community Farmers Market planning team, said the idea was propelled by several people of various neighborhoods and a planning group has been meeting for at least the last five months.
The location was difficult to find, but is ideally within walking distance to both schools and apartment complexes, Veldran said. For those who don’t have cars to get to grocery stores, the market is a closer alternative.
Robert Pierce, market manager, estimates the market will have 10 to 15 vendors offering fresh produce. The first market will have “strawberries, lettuce, green onions and more early summer produce,” said Veldran.
The Southwest Community Farmers Market is more than just a typical market. “We’re looking at building a new community space, not just a farmers market,” said Veldran.
In order to make the idea a reality, the market will feature local entertainment each Wednesday night. On June 24, the dance and drill team R@W (Real Art At Work) will perform, as well as accordionist Bill Meicher. In accordance with a desired community feel, both are from the Meadowood community.
A table also will be available for organizations to distribute information to community residents. Possible organizations include neighborhood associations, schools, parent-teacher organizations, and mentors or tutors.
One other unique aspect of the market is its later time. It was crucial to choose a time that wasn’t being used by other markets, but that wasn’t the only reason.
“We want to capture people that are going home later in the afternoon so they can just stop by and pick something up [for dinner],” said Veldran.
There are also possible plans to expand and include a vendor who sells hot food for those who want to pick up a quick meal on the way home.
The market plans to accommodate people shopping with Quest vouchers by exchanging vouchers for farmers’ market tokens. The tokens can be used to purchase food stamp-approved produces including fruit, vegetables, meat, and cheese.
