Waxahachie Farmers Market opening May 6

The Waxahachie Farmers Market returns for its 2023 season Saturday, May 6.

Anita Simpson, downtown development director, said the market allows attendees to support local, with vendors being from Waxahachie or nearby cities.

“If you want to support your local merchants and your local economy, there’s no better place to do it than the farmers market because everything that’s produced is produced locally,” Simpson said. “(It’s) grown in this city, in this county – your local meats, milks, baked goods, breads, cookies, plants, everything.”

The market, located at 701 Howard Road, will be open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday from May 6 to Oct. 21. Each week will have a different theme, with May’s themes being opening day – meet the vendors (May 6), salsa day (May 13), pop up horticulture class (May 20), and taste of market: very berry (May 27).

The market offers a variety of items, including fresh produce, plants, local honey, local meat, baking mixes, ice cream, health bars, salsas, baked goods, jewelry, goat milk soap, eggs, barbecue rubs and seasoning, candles, soaps, Mad Dash mixes, kitchen items, sodas, Green Arrow coffee, stuffed toys, wood crafts, metal crafts, freeze dried candy, microgreens, gluten free items, pet treats, dog toys, stickers, greeting cards, home décor, antiques, decorated eggs, quilts, blankets, keychains, essential oils, wreaths, glass etchings, kitchen items, noodles, tamales, pottery, spoon rings, up-cycled clothing, fossils, and more.

They have 45 paid vendors right now, with 13 being new vendors, Simpson said. Interested vendors can send in applications, which can be found on the city’s website, throughout the season.

Simpson said the items available at the market are things you can’t get anywhere else – from the produce to the jellies to the plants to the pottery.

“The level of quality that you get at the farmers market you can’t beat,” she said. “I’ve got stuff, probably, in my house from every single one of those vendors out there.”

Along with getting high quality items, attendees witness and experience community.

“It’s something you don’t experience in a big town,” Simpson said. “It’s a little family of merchants, and they all work together.”

This year’s season will have some vendors, including demonstrations by a metalsmith, outside on the sidewalk leading to the Wags-A-Hachie Dog Park.

Simpson said they are purchasing a three-compartment sink for the market, so they can host a food event once a month. She encourages people to watch the market’s Facebook for updates on the monthly food events.

Last year’s season set a new sales record of $290,291, surpassing the 2021 season’s record by almost 13%. Simpson said they hope to break $300,000 in sales this year.

Also new to this year, vendors have the option to participate in the market year-round. The regular season runs through Oct. 21, and the market will start back up in November, with specific dates and hours to come.

To stay updated on vendors, themes and more, follow @DowntownWaxahachieFarmersMarket on Facebook. To become a vendor, visit https://www.waxahachie.com/departments/downtown_development/downtown_farmers_market.php.

Originally published April 28, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/arts_and_entertainment/waxahachie-farmers-market-opening-may-6/article_97f71f82-e649-11ed-9f31-2fa753a51893.html