News

For Immediate Release
April 28th, 2021

RICHMOND, IN. – In greenhouses and under frost coverings across Richmond, Wayne County, and beyond, hundreds of seeds have begun to sprout. These seedlings, carefully tended by the vendors of the Richmond Farmers Market, will soon become the tomatoes, beans, squash, cucumbers, leafy greens, and the many other types of produce that can be found for sale at the Richmond Farmers Market each Saturday at Jack Elstro Plaza. 

The Richmond Farmers Market is set to begin its 2021 Summer Season this Saturday, May 1st, at Jack Elstro Plaza in downtown Richmond. Staff and volunteers are expecting record numbers of both customers and vendors at the first outdoor Market of the year, with many returning vendors and some new ones in the mix as well. Following an extremely successful Winter Market season at the newly winterized Starr Gennett Building, vendors are excited to continue the momentum and many have big plans for the months to come 

“We’re planting more and investing in our farm due to the increased demand for local food in the area.” said Lucy Owsley, co-owner of Boulder Belt Eco-Farm and long-time Richmond Farmers Market vendor. “We’re ready for another great season at the Market.”

The Richmond Farmers Market is located in the heart of downtown Richmond and takes pride in the fact it is a grower’s only Market, meaning that all goods sold at the Market are either grown, made, or otherwise created by the person selling them. “I personally inspect every farm to ensure that they meet requirements.” said Caleb Smith, Market Coordinator. According to analysis done by the Market staff, food sold at the Market travels an average distance of 15 miles to the Market - much less than the average distance of 1,500 miles for produce found in the grocery store.

Customers who visit the Market can find local and fresh produce, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, dairy products, jams & preserves, coffee, and more to purchase, and they can also find prepared foods from area food trucks to enjoy while shopping. Additionally, many vendors sell a wide variety of handcrafted artisan goods such as soaps, candles, jewelry, accessories, woodworking, and much more. 

In light of the continued risks of COVID-19, the Richmond Farmers Market continues to take steps to ensure the safety of both customers and vendors. Masks continue to be required for all vendors, while customers are strongly encouraged to wear theirs while shopping or socializing. Vendor booths will continue to be spaced 10 feet apart to encourage appropriate social distancing, and hand sanitizer is readily available for customers and vendors alike. However, shopping at the Richmond Farmers Market has many safety advantages due to the shortened supply chain of food traveling directly from the farmer to the consumer, and thanks to the abundance of fresh air and sunshine that is available in the outdoor shopping venue.

The vendors and staff of the Richmond Farmers Market invite all area residents to attend the Market every Saturday morning (8am-12pm), May through October, and to also attend the Tuesday Twilight Markets (4pm-7pm), July through September. The Richmond Farmers Market operates rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather. 

“The past year has certainly shown us that it’s more important than ever to support our local businesses.” said Smith, “...we’re so excited to return to our home at Elstro Plaza, and hope that everyone will make the time to get out and support our local farmers and makers.”

If community members are interested in becoming involved as vendors or volunteers, they are encouraged to reach out by visiting richmondindiana.gov/resources/farmers-market, emailing richmondfarmersmarketIN@gmail.com, or by calling 765-983-7425.

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The purpose of the Richmond Farmers Market is to create a sales venue for area farmers, provide opportunity for consumers to purchase quality farm-grown goods, provide a community gathering place, and to promote and stimulate economic development and create traffic in the Downtown area

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

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