Farmers Market at Plains Art Museum

Being part of a Farmers Market has been, to say the least, a great experience for me.  I have always enjoyed the markets in Minneapolis and now that we have the Plains I love the diversity of it. This was Inspired by both Colleen Sheehy, director and CEO of the Plains Art and Peter Kelly co- owner of Green Market Catering. I interviewed Colleen about this idea.  I also asked some of the questions of the vendors.
Why a farmers market at the Plains Art Museum?

Colleen Sheehy: When I moved to Fargo, it struck me that there was not a good Farmers Market, which was surprising for such an agricultural area. Markets are like art museums in fostering strong aesthetic experiences that stimulate our senses and minds and they also share sociability as a place to meet and talk with people. Green Market, which makes all the food for lunches and receptions at Plains, is committed to healthy, tasty food with an emphasis on local producers. So there was a good synergy to bring a market to Plains Art Museum.

What is your vision for this particular market?

We hope to support local vegetable, fruit, and herb producers and other local vendors. I’d love to see it grow to have a density of sights, smells, sounds, and tastes and a lively street fair vibe. I want it to become a habit for people stopping by on Thursdays on the way home from work to stock up on good breads, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and to have a bite to eat on the way home.

We want people to visit the market and the museum as a very full, satisfying experience. They can get into the museum free on market nights and take in the outstanding visual art we have on view, such at the Frank Big Bear exhibition. The market is bringing more people into the museum on Thursday nights.

Have you gotten all the vendors you want or need?

We’d like to have more and are open to people contacting us now and into the fall season (the market runs through October 1st).  Some produce growers had a late spring/summer or got flooded out. We have a critical mass but would like more. I’d also like to get some flower vendors.

Is there anything missing at this Farmers Market that you would like to see in the future?

I’d like us to be able to grill outside and offer some cooked foods for sale outside (currently visitors can order inside from Green Market in Cafe Muse. Flowers, as I mentioned, and street performers. I am also looking for music. So if there are any artist out there that are interested please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In-2-Sew ‘N

Owner: Ruth Schill
“I sell my products at the Pride of Dakota shows in the fall and during the summer I do outdoor craft shows and I sell my machine-embroidered Egyptian cotton dish towels by special order. 
“I have been doing the dish towel for seven years, but only five years selling at farmers’ markets and craft shows.
“The old fashioned flour sack towels are still popular today with many people. So selling them is easy.”

Fargo Moorhead Community Bicycle Workshop

Sara Watson (on behalf of FMCBW):

“We don’t really sell a product. We are at present simply making the community aware of our services and space and how they can use the space or get involved. Check www.fmbikeworkshop.org for more info.

“We have been open for a year and a half.

“Bicycles are the perfect mode of transportation to the market. Guests can fill up their baskets or backpacks with the many tasty treats at the market.”

Yellow Bird Farm

  Owner: Jade Larsen
 
“I plan on starting a Community-supported agriculture next season so I will sell to members of the CSA and at the market This season I am at the market and on LocalHarvest.org/Yellow Bird.
“This is my first year selling local organic produce. My family has been farming since 1959 in the Red River valley at a larger scale (bonanza), but I started my own smaller organic farm this year.
 
“I think what attracts people to my produce is that people want fresh local organic food that tastes and looks better, cuts back on the carbon footprint (food that’s not shipped around by petroleum),  food that is environmentally responsible, and sustainable with the Earth.  People just want to know who their farmer is.” 

It’s About Thyme

Your name: Mara Trygstad

“My greenhouse, at 707 10th Street North, in Fargo, is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 – 6.
I’m at Lakes Area Farmer’s Market in Detroit Lakes on Tuesday and Saturday from 10 – 2.
I am also offering classes about herbs in my home.
“There is a growing interest in herbs. People enjoy growing their own and using them in various ways.
People also like the pickles and jellies that I make.”

I Don’t Have a Company Name

Owner: Karen Swaser

“I sell at local craft events. I have been ‘crafting’ for four years. I live in the area; my mittens are a must for our winters; my other items (Capri Sun totes; scarves; potato bags; etc.) are unique, fun and useful.”

Three Bears Honey Co.

Owners: Paul and Lori Luthi

“We’ve been selling our product for a number of years, in local and regional super markets and health food stores, as well as directly to the customer.
“Our honey is locally produced, clover/wild flower honey. We feature raw, unheated, unfiltered honeys, as well as a variety of honey bears and other-size containers. We also have creamed honeyell our product in local and regional super markets and health food stores, as well as directly to the customer.”

Nick’s Granola

Owner: Nick Kukert

“Product is sold at the Plains Food Farmers Market and the Sabin Old 52 Farmers Market.
I have been selling my granola for two years.

“My product is special because it’s a delicious, healthy snack and excellent on yogurt.”