La Crescent Farmers Market Builds Community

LA CRESCENT – In terms of shopping, maybe it’s time to think small. This summer, there is no better way to do that than attending a farmers market.

Ben Horn knows the value of shopping locally very well. As a former vendor and now head manager of the La Crescent Farmers Market, Horn is familiar with the quality, variety and uniqueness of the goods and produce local farmers and artisans bring to the table every Tuesday.

Originally formed in 2009 by a group of local women, the La Crescent Farmers Market provided a space for local vendors to sell homegrown and handmade items. Horn started attending as a vendor in 2015 and became the manager in 2018.

The La Crescent Farmers Market is held Tuesday evenings on the city’s north side. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

With the foundation already laid and a few years of experience under his belt, Horn sought to grow the market just like the produce he used to bring to it. As the new manager, he created a legal entity for the market and also registered it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

From there, Horn explored moving to a new location, which meant he had to promote its cause to the city, gain permission and form agreements with nearby businesses.

Ultimately, everyone agreed that the market would bring additional vibrancy to the city and provide a gathering place for the community. Soon thereafter, the market moved to its new home near Veterans Park and doubled its number of vendors.

“Our first markets were an instant success,” Horn recalled. “We had a great lineup of vendors, the location worked out dynamically as planned, and the community showed up.”

Local vendors, local goods

Attendees will find a wide range of locally-grown or -made items at the market, including vegetables, honey, syrup, meats, jams, jewelry, bakery items, wellness products and more. Food trucks and live music are also often part of the event.

Live music is often a part of the evening. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

Horn says the vendor lineup can change as some products are seasonal and some vendors operate part-time. He also notes that most vendors come from less than 30 miles away, making this a very local event with many one-of-a-kind items.

To become a vendor, all products must be homegrown or handmade. No reselling is allowed. From there, a potential vendor would complete an application and pay a small yearly fee. In some cases, proper licenses and insurance are also required.

“We pride ourselves in being a laid back, welcoming market,” Horn said. “Perfect for anyone just trying out their business and needing to get their feet wet.”

Fresh produce from Owl Bluff Farm. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

Carrie Calvo, owner and operator of Owl Bluff Farm outside of Houston, would agree as she enters her sixth season selling organic produce at the market.

“This is our only farmers market. It’s friendly, has a family atmosphere and a nice variety of vendors.”

Calvo says she enjoys the direct interaction with customers, hearing what they like and what they do with the produce.

Carrie Calvo and Ari Struver of Owl Bluff Farm tend to their stand at the La Crescent Farmer’s Market. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

Market attendees will also discover various artisans sprinkled in amongst the food and produce vendors. Steve Holman, La Crescent, specializes in handmade, vertical-standing, wooden animal puzzles.

Holman began experimenting with a scroll saw several years ago when he happened upon this unique wooden puzzle concept. As Holman honed his skill, a hobby turned into a little business venture.

“I was doing it mostly for gifts and to see if I could do it,” Holman recalled.

Some of Steve Holman’s unique wood creations. (Photo by Greg Lovell)

Like Calvo, Holman enjoys meeting all the different people that come through, plus he gets to see what other vendors have.

“It’s fun,” he added.

Unearthing possibility

As Horn and company enter a new season, the vision of the La Crescent Farmers Market remains the same: to offer a place for the community to gather where they can find local goods and fresh produce, enjoy the nearby park and take in some live music.

“Our motto is ‘Local Love’,” said Horn. “We strive for the market to be a fun place where families and people of all ages can come and have a good time.”

In addition to providing the community with a gathering space, a big part of the mission is promoting sustainability, reducing food miles and getting to know local farmers. The market is an authorized SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) location offering families access to healthy local foods and has launched the Power of Produce program that provides children with money towards fresh produce at the market.

Horn also says the market partners with many different community organizations that share a similar goal of enhancing the La Crescent community.

“The market is more than just a place to find local products. It offers an opportunity for community connection,” said Horn. “The most meaningful thing about the market is the people – vendors and customers alike. I love the feeling of everyone coming together and having a good time.”

You’re encouraged to ‘have a good time’ at the outdoor La Crescent Farmers Market, Tuesdays between 4 and 7 p.m., located on the northeast side of town next to Veterans Park and the La Crescent Event Center. The market is held mid-May through mid-October.