By Paula Scott
When is Bluffton at its busiest? From May to October, Saturday morning vies for that honor. That’s when the Bluffton Farmers Market, a program of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, adds another attraction for those looking to get their shopping done in one big swoop.
Coffee? Check. Baked goods? Check. Flowers for the garden? Check. Something special for lunch? For dinner? Check, check.
Market manager Greg Probst keeps an eagle eye on things from his #1 spot next to Citizens National Bank at 102 S. Main St., where he also manages sales for Probst Family Farm. There are approximately 20 full year vendors signed up for the 2023 season, who have a spot assigned to them. Vendors can also make arrangements with Probst to be at the market on a week-to-week basis, filling temporarily empty spots or extending back into the parking lot between Bluffton High School and First Mennonite Church.
On May 6, the first day of the market for this year, vendors and shoppers were blessed with beautiful weather and were gifted with an extra half hour to shop. New this year, the market is open from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
While many spring crops are still getting going, the market was full steam ahead. There were two food trucks at the far end of the row, providing hot breakfast foods, beverages and baked goods. Locally grown products for sale included produce, beef, eggs, maple syrup, potted flowers, shrubs and trees, and potted herbs. Homemade (a.k.a. cottage foods) products included jams, breads, biscotti, scones, cookies and hot sauce.
The farmers market also provides an opportunity for local organizations to connect with shoppers. This past week, American Legion Post 382 was selling tickets for the June 10 Fred Arnold Memorial Charitable Golf Outing and for the annual Memorial Day chicken barbecue.
A vendor directory is available on the chamber website HERE.
The vendor agreement is HERE.
