Edmond Farmer’s Market

The Edmond Farmer’s Market is much more than a place to find superior Oklahoma foods. It’s a weekly celebration of community and family, and a chance to support local businesses all through the year.

Celebrating 20 Years

The outdoor season of the Edmond Farmer’s Market begins April 15, kicking off their biggest and best year yet. The market will celebrate its 20th anniversary all season long with activities and giveaways. On opening day they’ll hand out free shopping bags featuring a new 20th anniversary logo. With dozens of vendors participating, customers will have plenty of opportunities to fill their new bags with local vegetables, fruits, meats, and handcrafted specialty foods.

The 20th season includes a focus on education for kids and adults alike. Coordinator Emily Young and her team have already arranged a presentation on freezing produce. They’re working to schedule other learning opportunities like a home canning demo. “I want to see people start to build these skills,” says Emily. She loves watching families come to the market, then go home and prepare a meal together using fresh, local foods.

The market has come a long way since its informal beginning in 1988. It became part of Edmond Parks and Recreation in 2004 and has grown from around a dozen vendors to more than 60. “The Farmer’s Market has become one of the premier programs that the city offers,” says Emily. The market stays open year round, with the outdoor season at Festival Market Place and the winter season in the Edmond Multi-activity Center at Mitch Park.

Local Produce, Handcrafted Foods, and Artisan Crafts

Many shoppers love coming to the market for unique handmade soaps, jewelry, and other artisan crafts. This year’s season includes special monthly craft markets with artisans’ booths set up in the brick plaza area north of Festival Market Place. The first craft Saturday will be May 13.

Most Farmer’s Market vendor slots for this season have already been filled, but Emily always encourages new applications. Teens and kids are welcome to apply, too. One established vendor is a teenager who has sold handcrafted jewelry for three years. Emily is committed to working with everyone who wants to participate and doing whatever she can to help them succeed.

Helping Local Businesses Thrive

“I’m passionate about local businesses,” says Emily. “That’s why I do what I do.” She has coordinated the Edmond Farmer’s Market since 2020. On Saturday mornings you’ll always find her in the middle of the action, interacting with as many customers and vendors as she can. She logs 25,000-30,000 steps on an average morning.

The demand for locally made foods has only grown since COVID-19, and at peak season the outdoor market serves between 5,000 – 7,000 customers a day. “During the pandemic they were there every single Saturday,” says Emily. “A lot of trust was built. The only way to know who’s handling your food is to shop locally. If you’re going to spend six dollars on a dozen eggs, wouldn’t you rather buy them from your neighbor?”

Emily encourages both new and established customers to stop by and see what this year’s market has to offer. “I want everyone in the community to know how grateful we are that they take the time to get up on Saturday mornings and invest in local businesses,” she says. “Our vendors are doing this to provide fresh, local, healthy, and unique foods. There are humans behind every one of these products. Every time you support them, you’re advocating for small businesses.”

The Edmond Farmer’s Market will be open Saturdays from 8:00-1:00 beginning April 15 at Festival Market Place, 26 W. 1st Street, Edmond. Learn more at edmondok.gov/365/farmers-market.