Community Corner
Brookfield Farmers Market Opens Saturday with New Vendors
Add Italian sausage and organic vegetables to the mix of favorite standbys at the Brookfield Farmers' Market that opens at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. On the third Saturdays of the month, arts, craft and other groups join.
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Sixty vendors have signed onto the 22nd season of the Brookfield Farmers’ Market that kicks off Saturday, a slight increase over last year's membership.
The open air market runs from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through October 27th in the parking lot between the Civic Plaza and , 2000 N. Calhoun Road.
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Although the increase is small, market manager Bobbi Harvey is excited about some of the new vendors coming to the market this year. She thinks they will add even more products to the already popular market.
"We have someone bringing Italian sausage this year," she said. "We also have some organic vegetables. These should go along well with some of the favorites like the maple syrup, poultry and pork, and of course the bakery."
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On the third Saturdays of the month, the market expands with "Market & More," adding arts groups, crafters and others that span about 100 groups over the course of the season.
Entertainment also is provided. Accordion players, Trinity Irish dancers, and a Brookfield dance studio are all expected to make appearances. Harvey, who has served as the market manager for 18 years, is looking forward to the entertainment and she believes shoppers appreciate it as well.
"Oh yes, it should be a great time," Harvey said. "It’s just a little extra something that I’m sure the shoppers will enjoy."
While economic struggles could keep some customers away from the market this year, Harvey remains optimistic. Not only does she believe the prices at the market are reasonable, but she believes the vendors will make a good profit as well.
"I think the prices are reasonable and the items are things people need," she said, "Like dairy products and fresh produce that people should be consuming. I also believe the vendors will be satisfied. If this wasn’t profitable for them they wouldn’t return. They like being here. It works both ways."
Tip: Are you a frequent Brookfield Farmers' Market shopper? Pick up a frequent shopper card at the information table and get it punched on each visit. After 12 punches the card earns $5 in Market Tokens to be used at any vendor.
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