The Farmers Market provides Evansville citizens a chance to purchase local food, goods and art. Located downtown, the market is held outdoors and features a variety of vendors. There are events every week and Friday Aug. 29 there will be a drawing for a $100 gift certificate that can be used for any of the vendors at the Farmers Market.

Aside from produce, the Farmers Market offers a variety of other prepared food from strombolis to wood-fired pizza, steak sandwiches, pork burgers, salads and desserts.

Over 40 vendors sell produce, meats, baked goods and candy, all of which is made locally by farmers and families.

For those of age, the market also offers a selection of wine for purchase. Other than food, craft items and works of art can be found for sale. The Local Evansville Art Council will be there to promote some of the work.

A big tent with picnic tables is set up every weekend, allowing customers to enjoy live entertainment. Events range from music performance to car shows and educational presentations.

“I had a great time at the market. There are lots of activities and things to buy for a good price,” said Jeff Worley, an Evansville local.

Patti Davis manages the Vanderburgh Farmers Market, also known as the Farmer and Artisans Market or the Farm Bureau Market. Davis has been the manager for the past two years and before that, managed shopping centers within Evansville.

There were problems with reselling in the past, but Davis said they have eliminated the problem.

Davis is trying to make the market even more locally based by enforcing stricter rules, including only letting vendors within 75 miles participate. The food sold is grown by the local community and registered with all federal and state guidelines.

“I’ve seen people I’ve known for years in it, and it’s a friendly atmosphere…with a good variety of all American people,” Davis said.

The Farmers Market is also expanding the number of customers it serves by accepting different forms of payment.

“Some vendors are accepting food stamps and WIC now,” Davis said.

The Farmers Market is looking for new vendors. The application can be found at their website evansvillefarmersmarket.com. 

The market is sponsored by local businesses, including Fifth Third Bank. Hours for the market are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. The last day of the Farmers Market is Sept. 26.