A vendor stand from a past Columbus Farmers Market.
If spring is a time for new growth, then the Columbus Farmers Market serves as a timely example.
The free rain-or-shine outdoor event will kick off its new season at 9 a.m. Saturday at 123 Washington St. behind Columbus City Hall (along First Street) bigger than it has ever been — some 80 vendors strong — since the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department inherited it in 2017.
Jacob Hendricks, who helps organize the weekly event that Teresa Fischer coordinates, gives Fischer credit for knowing and recruiting new vendors.
For her part, Fischer prefers to remain quietly behind the scenes. But she acknowledged she has worked diligently to convince growers and retailers to begin attending with a booth earlier in the market season rather than waiting until, say, June to begin selling as some regularly have done in past years. Now, the market is full with a total of 120 vendors, full and part-time, selling produce to paintings, and jam to jewelry. There is room for 80 to 82 vendors each week.
“We are maxed out (for space),” Fischer said.
The layout includes more ready-to-eat food vendors — about five to seven weekly — more than ever since 2017, according to Hendricks. He said the variety spans coffee to crepes, and burgers to burritos. The idea: appeal to those hungry for anything from brunch to lunch.
“We want the Columbus Farmers Market to become the place to be on Saturday mornings in Columbus Indiana,” Hendricks said. “At our year-end reviews, we always look at ways to get people to come there, and then, to help them stay (longer).
“And having more food options is something that we think will encourage people to come and do some shopping, and then stay to get lunch.”
The market also includes live music, from folk to pop to country, each week as it runs through Sept. 21. Local folk artist Allie Jean, who toured nationally with a musical partner before returning to Columbus a few years ago, opens on Saturday. Her music appeals to everyone from children to adults.
Fischer mentioned that, if an extended weather forecast of low-70s and sunny holds for Saturday, attendance could be in the 1,000 to 2,000 people range.
“We’re hoping,” she said.
Hendrix said that the opening of the 1821 Trail that connects to the People Trail at the market has boosted attendance among walkers and bicyclists.
About the event
What: Opening of the Columbus Farmers Market.
When: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Behind Columbus City Hall at 123 Washington St. along First Street.
Cost: Free, with 80 vendors expected.
Information: https://columbusfarmersmarket.org/
