Main Street Farmer’s Market

The fourth year of the Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market is well underway.

Located in the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street, including Tom Evans Plaza, the market offers fresh produce, homemade food, fine arts and crafts for sale every Saturday morning through Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Main Street Farmer’s Market also provides a wide variety of entertainment. Two musical guests will be on hand each week, along with a chef’s table for cooking demonstrations and free children’s activities.

The goal of the market is to provide a festive market atmosphere for the Ames community that includes all locally made or grown products.

“We don’t have anybody who brings things in from other places or purchases items out of town for resale.” Said Market Manager Lojean Petersen.

The market has expanded from 46 vendors in 2013 to 55 in 2014.

“We’ve doubled the size [in area] of the market and we’re getting a lot of foot-traffic,” Petersen said. “We’re very excited about the interest that’s being shown in the community.”

Iowa State is an official sponsor of Main Street Farmer’s Market, but many student groups volunteer of their own accord. The ISU Jugglers and Unicycle Club, the Cardinal Gymnasts, ISU Line Dancers and ISU cheerleaders have all performed at the market.

This Saturday the market will host musical guests Second Chair Brass and Ira Grace & the Bible Belt Prophets. Chef Becky Ringsby from Savor Specialty Chef Services will provide a cooking demonstration, and there will be special activities for children.

On July 5, the market will celebrate the Ames Sesquicentennial. Aug. 9 will be free watermelon day in honor of Farmer’s Market Week.

For more details and schedule updates, go to: www.amesmainstreetfarmersmarket.com.