Market Tips
The Mankato Area Grower’s Association welcomes you to the 2008 season of its Farmers’ Market. Enjoy your visit and visit often! Check out our Calendar page for upcoming special events and if you’re passionate about local foods, share that passion with friends and bring them along!
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Mankato Farmers’ Market:
Give yourself plenty of time
Enjoy browsing the tables and visiting with vendors. This is your opportunity to connect with local growers and to learn about the health and nutritional benefits of locally-grown food. Make a slow loop around the market before buying, taking note of all the variety and which stands offer items that you find interesting. Start your purchases during your second loop around.
Bring cash
Cash is king at the Farmers Market. Bringing small bills make purchases go quickly and vendors will appreciate not having to make change. The Mankato Farmers Market also offers seasonal gift certificates for sale. These make great gift items or incentives to introduce friends and relatives to what is really the best part of summer – buying local!
Know your seasons
If you come to the market in May expecting sweet corn, you’ll be disappointed. Likewise, fresh asparagus is an outstanding find in May, but you won’t find these green treasures for sale in the heat of summer. Check out the In Season page to learn when you can expect to find your favorites at the market.
Be adventuresome and ask questions!
Our vendors are wonderfully creative in the produce, food items and crafts brought to market. Furthermore, their selections will vary throughout the season. Trying new varieties is part of the joy of shopping at a place where growers and buyers come together. And if you see something for sale that you’re unfamiliar with, ask the farmer about it! He or she will love to explain the item and may even offer cooking tips or recipes.
Bring a large market bag or wheels
Vendors typically offer small bags in which to wrap purchases, although shoppers who are concerned about the environment may prefer to bring their own reusable canvas or string bag. No matter which type of bag you prefer, you can easily find yourself loaded down with goodies – especially when melons or corn is in season. Consider a folding wheeled cart, wagon or stroller to haul purchases through the market and back home.
Dress comfortably and for the weather
The Madison East location is typically windy, so come prepared with a sweater or jacket when temps are cool. Wear comfortable shoes and keep an umbrella for days when skies threaten. Remember, we’re open from May 3 through the end of October, rain or shine!
Come early, but not too early
Early arrivers have their pick of the best the market has to offer. A word to the wise, though; early sales are not allowed. The market opens at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you arrive too early, you’ll have to wait for the opening bell to make your purchases.
Keep your purchases safe
Summer may be short and sweet, but it can also bring plenty of heat – enough to make your fresh produce wilt if you have other errands to attend to on market day. Keep your produce farm-fresh for the trip home by packing it in a cooler in your car.
Leave your pet at home
We love dogs, but Minnesota health department rules prohibit dogs from entering the market area. Vendors at the Mankato Farmers Market have to comply with the same health and safety measures and any food seller, such as grocery stores and restaurants. So, please, come to the market, enjoy your visit, buy local, but leave Fido at home.
