Lincoln farmers markets spreading out

[February 04, 2010]  In today's increasing health consciousness, it's recommended that Americans eat more fruits and vegetables. It has also been found that food grown locally is better for you. For people living and working in Lincoln, that's made easy by the farmers market.

The farmers market in Lincoln has been a solid venue in the downtown for a number of years. The market has been successful and seen growth in recent years. Last summer numerous vendors lined the walks of Latham Park each Wednesday and Saturday, offering homegrown and homemade products: fresh fruits and vegetables, jellies and jams, honey, and an array of wonderful baked goods; even plants to grow and flowers were available.

Plans are already being formulated and some advances will be made to this year's farmers market.

The two parks in downtown Lincoln are owned by Logan County. Tuesday night the county's building and grounds committee reviewed and granted two requests from separate market groups. Lincoln will have two farmers market locations for the 2010 season.

The Lincoln Farmer's Market, owned by Susan Wachter, will move over to Scully Park. Wachter said that they want to use Scully to draw attention to the beautiful fountain that Main Street has put in there. 

Main Street director Wanda Lee Rohlfs was also present. She said that they have sought out and received financial support from area businesses to have live entertainment in the fountain area. Schedules and details will be announced at a later date.

The original farmers market will go by the name The Farmers' Market and continue as before in their traditional location at Latham Park.

When the season opens again, both markets will continue on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market in Latham Park opens May 8 and continues through Oct. 30.

Wednesday hours will be 3:30 to 6 p.m.

The market will not operate on Wednesdays in May and October.

Saturday hours will be:

• 7 a.m. to noon June through September.

• 8 a.m. to noon the months of May and October.

On the Saturday during the Lincoln Art Fair in August, the market will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lincoln Farmer's Market

The Lincoln Farmer's Market at Scully Park begins on May 1 and goes through Oct. 30.

Wednesday hours will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday hours will be 7 a.m. to noon.

You can keep track of plans and activities for the Lincoln Farmer's Market at http://www.wachterfarms.com/.  

The separate locations create new openings and opportunities for vendors and buyers and will afford patrons more parking for more expeditious shopping.

On these dreadfully cold days of winter, it's nice to think of the coming days of sunshine, warm breezes and strolls in the parks. 2010 has promise of another wonderful year of local offerings out of the bounty of the earth.

[LDN staff]