News

For Immediate Release
December 13th, 2021

RICHMOND, IN. – It is easy to think that Farmers Markets shut down in winter because produce is not as readily available during this season, but for Wayne County residents, this is not the case! The Richmond Farmers Market (RFM) is one of three markets in Indiana that operates year-round.

The farmers at the RFM have worked for years to install infrastructure on their farms that allow them to grow food for themselves and their community year-round. Farmers at the RFM are able to provide apples, pears, raspberries, carrots, brussels sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, onions, greens, leeks, rutabagas, beans, herbs, and more throughout these cold winter months! There are numerous benefits to eating locally and seasonally, including higher nutritional value of produce grown in-season versus out of season, better prices of seasonal foods, and positive environmental impacts. Lucy Owsley of Boulder Belt Eco-Farm, a staple vendor at the Richmond Farmers Market says, “Boulder Belt Eco-Farm has been growing winter produce for around 25 years. You will find that winter-grown greens and roots like carrots have a better flavor than veggies grown the rest of the year. This is because cold weather sweetens them up.” In addition to produce, there are many other food products at the Winter Market including pork, beef, chicken, eggs, honey, jam, kimchi, mustard, hot sauce, bread & other baked goods (including gluten-free options), dairy, BBQ sauce, and fruit butters. 

While the Winter Market has all the food you may need for your holiday meals, the Richmond Winter Farmers Market also has a variety of hand-crafted artisan products available. As the RFM is a growers and producers-only market, ALL of the food and artisan products are grown or created by the vendors themselves. The Richmond Winter Farmers Market has handmade knives by Henry Freeman, stuffed animals & other creatures by Grandma & Grandpas Place and Crochet Duck Mafia, wood products from Shady Lane Goods, leathergoods & wood products from JT Leather, ceramics from Paul Harris, blankets from the Art of Cozy, holiday decor, homegoods such as towels and pillow cases, macrame, watercolor paintings, original art prints, and so much more! We could list them all but we would rather you come see for yourself! 

For a number of the vendors, the Richmond Farmers Market is their livelihood, and they are able to sustain that because of YOU.  In 2021, it is our community that allowed RFM vendors to earn over $250,000. That is money that is kept in the community and money that helps to support a local, resilient food system, which is more important than ever in these tumultuous times.  

The Richmond Farmers Market is here for YOU every Saturday, year-round (other than the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years), but there is a special celebration coming up next week. December 18th is the Annual Richmond Winter Farmers Market Holiday Festival! The Holiday Festival is an annual celebration of the holiday season and the joy that it brings. Please see below for a list of events & special activities happening during the Holiday Festival:

9am-1pm: 

• Special Market Hours for the Holiday Festival
• Kids scavenger hunt with a small prize for each scavenger hunt turned in at the Market table! 
• Farmers Market Basket Giveaway. For each purchase at an RFM booth, you will be entered to win.
• Local businesses What the Truck AND Sweet Blessings will be serving breakfast! Come hungry
• Cordial Cork will be at the Market with warm beverages! 

10am-12pm: 

• Live music from the Wallens, an Indiana-based folk duo! 

10am-1pm: 

• Santa Claus! He’ll be sitting for FREE photos and to hear what everyone in Richmond would like for Christmas this year. 

Eat, drink, be merry, talk with Santa, dance, sing, and buy your holiday gifts and meal ingredients at the Holiday Festival! This will be SPECIAL Market with hours that day from 9am-1pm. 

Typical Market operating hours are from 9am-12pm each Saturday from November-April at the Starr Gennett Building located down in the Gorge. 

“We are pleased to provide additional activities at the market for special celebrations like the Holiday Festival. Many have enjoyed visiting the Starr Gennett Market location and the vendors have been cranking out awesome produce and products this year.  Come see what a difference shopping and supporting local at the Market makes in how you feel! We pride ourselves in being a place where you can feel good and safe about what you buy and give over the Holidays!” Denise Retz, City of Richmond Parks & Recreation Superintendent.

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For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please contact the Richmond Farmers Market via the contact details below:

Cierra Bailey
Richmond Farmers Market Coordinator
Richmond Parks and Recreation
2200 East Main Street  | E: cbailey@richmondindiana.gov
Richmond, IN 47374    |T: (765) 983-7425

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