Each spring, many vendors and thousands of attendees flock to Fifth and Wall streets in Lowertown for the re-opening of the annual farmers market. “The market has really been consistent for the past five years,” says Jack Gerten, manager for the Saint Paul Farmers Market and manager of the Saint Paul Growers Association. “We’ve had to expand to four markets per week in the immediate Saint Paul area alone during the summer.”
This year, the farmers market is expecting a bigger and better season than ever before, and according to Gerten, there will be a variety of featured products from more than 150 local growers. “Springtime is all about plants,” says Gerten, who references the variety of boxed flowers, vegetables and herbs that will be readily available in May. “It really feels like spring with all the new blooming flowers, veggies and various other plants.”
In addition to the great variety of local produce, spices, baked goods, home products, meats and cheeses and more, the expansion of the light rail into Lowertown gives market goers yet another option for traveling to the area. Gerten and company are anticipating another year of strong attendance.
The farmers market launches for the season May 2, opening at 6 a.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. on Sundays, and closing around 1 p.m. both days. The farmers market is open on weekends through November.
For more information about the Saint Paul Farmers Market in Lowertown, satellite locations, events and more, visit stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
