Calling All Local Farmers, Food Producers, and Culinary Enthusiasts: Join the Concordia Blade Empire Community!

Kaitlin Moore, Foods, Nutrition & Health Agent | K-State Research & Extension River Valley District

Hello! I’d like to invite you to join us at the Concordia Farmers Market. It takes place every Thursday evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in City Park. We currently have some great vendors, including three produce suppliers, a freeze-dried candy vendor, and someone who sells delicious cookies and mini cakes. When the season is right, we also feature Colorado peaches and occasionally have local eggs available.

However, we have plenty of room for more local goodies! Right now, we’re missing items like breads, nut butters, herbs, fruit leathers, loose-leaf tea, honey, and flowers. We also lack sweet treats like cinnamon rolls, fruit pies, and chocolate-covered snacks. It would be wonderful to see more homemade products, too, like dried pasta and vanilla extract.

The market is a great opportunity for local vendors. In fact, we will be waiving all vendor fees for the 2025 season. This means you can showcase your products without any upfront costs!

This year, we’re excited to announce that the Concordia Farmers Market will accept SNAP cards along with credit and debit cards. The good news is, vendors won’t have to worry about extra technology or paperwork. I will manage the SNAP and card transactions at the market. Vendors can continue to accept cash and can simply exchange tokens for purchases. Any tokens collected will be turned in to me at the end of the market, and we plan to pay vendors by check every two weeks.

If you’re interested in being a part of the Concordia Farmers Market or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!

Kaitlin Moore, Nutrition, Food Safety & Health Agent 785-243-8185 or kaitlinmoore@ksu.edu

Participating in farmers markets has numerous benefits. A survey by the Food Marketing Institute found that 73% of shoppers prefer to buy fresh produce from local markets. Not only does this boost the community’s economy, but it also encourages healthier eating habits. By supporting local farmers and artisans, you’re helping to promote sustainable practices and reducing your carbon footprint.

As you think about getting involved, consider how your products could add value to the community. Collaborating with fellow vendors can also lead to unique offerings that attract more visitors. Plus, social media trends show that local businesses that engage with their community online often see increased foot traffic at events like these.

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