&

PRESENT

Indiana's Ultimate Farmers Market 2024

Congratulations to Coffee Creek Farmers Market the 2024 Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market winner!

Testimonials submitted during nominations give proof to the value of and appreciation for the Coffee Creek Farmers Market:

 “As a producers-only market, Coffee Creek Farmers Market, is one of the truest farmers markets in the area! Their commitment to fresh, locally – sourced produce is unmatched, and their SNAP and Double-Up programming is a vital resource for visiting customers who rely on food access for their fresh food purchases.”

” Coffee Creek Farmers Market is THE Producer – Only Farmers Market in NW Indiana! We are in our ninth season and rockin’ what’s the hottest thing to do on Wednesday afternoon/evening in the Region.”

Indiana Grown and INFMCP congratulate the Franklin Farmers Market and Broad Ripple Farmers Market our second and third place runners – up!

Voting begins on Monday, July 29th and runs through Sunday, August 11th. You are allowed one vote, per person, per day!

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 13th on social media and market manager by email.

The winner will receive a plaque recognizing the achievement presented to the farmers market by Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Director Don Lamb. The farmers market will be featured on Indiana Grown’s WISH – TV segments on September 14th. 

What is a farmers market? A farmers market is public and recurring gatherings of farmers or their representatives selling the food that they produced directly to the consumer. Farmers markets facilitate personal connections and bonds of mutual benefits between farmers, shoppers, and community (Farmers Market Coalition).  

Let’s celebrate Hoosier farmers markets and National Farmers Market week, August 4th through the 10th, by nominating and then voting for your favorite Indiana Farmers Market!

Farmers Market Testimonials

Current leadership for Anderson Farmers Market has worked tirelessly to meet our community where it is and to grow (pun intended) the market into an amazing environment for both visitor and vendor! We are especially proud of our accessibility efforts; market located in food desert; on CATS busline; bike racks available; located downtown; SNAP accepted; PoP program; as well as providing many community resources and activities.

They are so supportive of the community. There are a variety of vendors, and it is located in beautiful, downtown Bargersville, a true farming town.

This year, the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market is recognizing its 50th Anniversary season. The Market began in 1975 in response to citizens asking the city to create a farmers’ market to provide the community with a source of fresh, Indiana grown produce and provide gardeners and farmers an outlet to sell their produce.  The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market mission is: 1) To strengthen our local agriculture and food community by serving as a venue to nurture the direct, positive relationships between small farmers, food and beverage artisans and customers; 2) To promote a safe and welcoming environment for all while enhancing and reflecting the City of Bloomington’s diversity and encouraging multicultural awareness; 3) To promote and improve food justice by implementing programs to increase access to Market products by low-income individuals; and 4) To improve local food security and community sustainability by fostering a resilient food supply.

The first market was held in Bloomington’s historic Third Street Park with 23 vendors. The Market outgrew 3rd Street Park, and in 1982 moved to Courthouse Square. In 1984, the Market moved to a temporary location for 7 years. Sixth and Lincoln due to renovations to the Courthouse. In 1997,  administration of the Market moved to the Parks & Recreation department. In 1998, the Market moved to Showers Common (City Hall) as a new permanent site.  Over 57,000 customers and an average of 64 vendors were in attendance. Although the market has grown and evolved over the years, it still adheres to the principles on which it was founded. Daily customer counts have grown from around 750 to over 10,000 at its peak.  The number of vendors has also grown from 23 at the first markets to over 100 at its peak. The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market continues to be an important part of our community and we are appreciative of all of those that support it.

A decade ago I used to visit this market. Then in 2018, a friend asked me to help out with the social media one Saturday. That turned into a Saturday morning tradition of helping out at the market every week. I helped to transform our social media presence and drive more traffic to our market. Our market is focused on food and farmers, unlike some other markets in our area that also have crafts. Over the years, I’ve been able to engage with our customers and vendors and hear why they think our market is so special. I think part of it is the Broad Ripple community in general is a great one here in Indiana, but those folks aren’t always able to get together. The market provides a great meeting place to gather, listen to music, eat fresh food, and buy local produce right from the farmer. It’s fun to see vendors swap products, to make new creations to bring to the market the next week. Over the past two years, I’ve also had the opportunity to work for a farmer most every Saturday at his booth. It’s a different side to the customer I get to experience—the kind of questions they ask and what they are hoping to get at the market. The differences between 8am shoppers and 11:30 shoppers. I also love when it rains, not only because it makes for incredible photos, but because our community still rallies…even if it dies down during the brunt of the rain, as soon as it lightens up, people come back out of no where. And during my time at the market, we’ve had to change locations quite a few times to fit all of our vendors and provide enough parking, and our customers always show up. Every single Saturday, 51 weeks a year. I’ve been to other markets on occasion, but the energy at BRFM is different. You can hear it from vendors who shop other markets too. Forever thankful for BRFM, the incredible volunteers, the amazing 80+ vendors, and the resilient 3000+ customers coming weekly. And to Barbara Wilder, probably the best market manager in the country. I formally nominate Broad Ripple Farmers Market for the Indiana’s Ultimate Farmer’s Market!

The quality of the items, a large section of produce, meat, and eggs (they do call it’s a farmers market…) along with a great variety of baked goods, fresh foods, and beverages. The layout is spacious, and the parking is ample. The shoppers there truly appreciate the vendors! Management and volunteers do a great job of selecting vendors and listening to them. They also like to make suggestions to vendors and work to help make them successful and do a great job so supporting them.

The vibe is great and family friendly. Two areas for live music and seating where you can enjoy a hot breakfast, locally brewed coffee, or one of the amazing baked goods from the vendors.

My family has been attending the Carmel Farmers Market for the past 20 years and it has continually been such a joyful part of our weekend.  The delicious food, wonderful farmers on site and family events it the best!

The Carmel Farmers Market continues to grow each year, offering the absolute best, fresh Indiana grown produce/products in the Midwest!  Every Saturday, visitors gather together to have a fun filled morning shopping and eating delicious food from the vendors.  The Carmel Farmers Market is a highlight of my week!

The Carmel Farmers Market is a true “farmers market”! Everything at the market is Indiana grown, raised or produced. The vendors are very knowledgeable about their products, and many foods for people with dietary restrictions are available. There is an incredible variety of products. We enjoy the fact that one can purchase a great breakfast and shop for weekly food while listening to fabulous music. It’s a gathering place for families, from young children to the elderly. There is abundant parking close by, and it is free. Everyone is very helpful!

Carmel Farmers Market has the best variety of locally grown and produced items of any market!  We don’t miss a week of visiting the market!

Opened in 1839, Lafayette’s downtown 5th Street has been home to the City of Lafayette Farmer’s Market for the past 180 years. It has to be one of the longest running outdoor markets in our Great State of Indiana. Our Farmer’s Market experience operates from May – October and is held on Saturdays. It never disappoints from  the sounds, the feels, the smells, and bumping into friends and other community members are what makes our Farmer’s Market so special. All the vendors represented are gracious, their booths are well organized, and they present quality goods and merchandise. A person who is looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, pies, hot delicious food, beautiful garden flowers, fresh cut flowers, yummy local honey, handcrafted jewelry, homemade crafts, herbs and oils, and music from local artists, this magical Farmer’s Market on 5th Street welcomes all with open arms. It is bustling every Saturday and is such a great (3 season) hometown event for our community. It attracts thousands over the season and everyone who visits seems to be enjoying their time and are not walking away empty handed. 110% believe the Farmer’s Market in Lafayette is qualified to be an Ultimate Farmer’s Market in 2024. Please come visit us!!

As a producers-only market, Coffee Creek Farmers Market is one of the truest farmers markets in the area! Their commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce is unmatched, and their SNAP and Double Up programming is a vital resource for visiting customers who rely on food access benefits for their fresh food purchases.

It is a place of community gathering, connections, support and so much more.

It’s a place where I found my second family.

So thankful for it!

Crawfordsville farmers market is the spot to be on Saturdays!! We have the best coffee and breakfast by 1832 Brew! We have the best honey and meat options by the Hedrick family. Beautiful produce by all kinda of wonderful families. Beauty products and tallow from the Lowe family. Arts and crafts from shop small. They always have music playing by local artists!!

The market is always busy and full of different vendors. It has a wide variety from food, flowers, trinkets, and kids stuff.

Jennifer is always walking around talking to vendors and customers and is always looking for ways to make it more successful and interactive to all Crawfordsville residents and residents from out of town.

It is always lively, and brings Crawfordsville to light with local produce, meat, dairy, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

This farmers market is more like a family. Saturday mornings are better because of it. The music, food and all the vendors. It’s a great way to start your day!

This market is so well run (by Jennifer) with smiling faces and great products/produce/food. I go almost every weekend and always come home happy and refreshed.

Crawfordsville is so good at encouraging and promoting local agriculture, horticulture, baked goods, and homemade craft items in Montgomery County, Indiana; to provide producers a site to market their goods directly to county residents and visitors; and to provide consumers a market to obtain quality goods directly from artisans and producers in a neutral, positive environment.

I love that they have children sign up on special days to sell their own homemade products! Very kind people. A wonderful selection of vendors and love the location.

It is my starting point with my business

It’s where I learned a lot

It’s my place to recharge every week

It is a market that has given me community and meaningful friends. Not just a place to shop but connect!

This market goes above and beyond a small town market

I am a vendor at this market. It is well attended.  There are many enthusiastic patrons who return every week to make purchases.  It is a friendly atmosphere, with good variety of products available.  Music is always part of the market.  The city put forth an admirable plan to include gates for road closure, for a pedestrian only venue, as well as including rest room facilities.  it is overall a great market to participate in.

Faith, Family and Farming is what this family stands for. Years and years of hardwork and dedication. When you come to deadheaders you feel the love of everything they do. You know you have the best plants and produce in the county. I live very close and can see the hardworking family out from early mornings to late evenings. Open 7 days a week. Sundays are special because they plan out and provide a homemade meal in boxes to prepare your entire supper. Fall is amazing with all our needs of pumpkins and decor. Peaches omg are the sweetest around. Fresh picked strawberries and bushels of green beans, potatoes, sweet corn and everything else you can imagine. This community loves this family and considers them as family. God Bless them.

Best QUALITY & service!!

They have the most delicious produce and beautiful flowers and plants. They are very pleasant people, and every visit is a true pleasure. My family has never been disappointed with a visit or anything purchased from the Green House. They care for their customers, and they prove that with every visit.

 

This farmers market has a wonderful selection of fresh produce, beautiful plants, delicious food, and unique home decor. Entertainment such as live music happens often. This market supports many local non-profit organizations. The Elkhart Farmers Market is a wonderful weekly event which brings the entire community together.

Farmed & Forged has been doing incredible things in the City of La Porte since they revamped the market in 2023! With their SNAP, Double Up, and Community Match programming, as well as their increase in fresh, local food vendors; cooking demos; youth activities; performances; and monthly nonprofit fundraisers, Farmed & Forged is a force for good for the community of La Porte!

Always a great market full of friendly vendors.  We partner with the market in November during a private event.  Easy to work with, variety of vendors.

The Vincennes farmers market is located in the heart of Indiana’s largest agricultural area. Knox County produces more melons than any other county in the state in addition to many other specialty crops. The market teems with fresh produce, artisan baked goods, honey and other handmade items each week. Open Saturdays 9-1 and Wednesday evenings 4-7:30, the market also features live entertainment most days as well as a variety of hot food vendors. Many vendors are also proud members of Indiana Grown.

It’s a hot spot especially on Saturdays for friends to gather for a cup of coffee, grab fresh groceries and stay and chat awhile under the newly constructed food court.

The Fort Wayne Farmers Market is dedicated to providing the community with high quality, nutritious food despite their income level. There are programs available to those who may not otherwise have access to the produce and other products available. This Farmers Market is comprised of 10% or less artisan vendors and vendors are to have no more than 10% of their products be wholesale products. I believe that this sets the Fort Wayne Farmers Market apart from many other markets. This is a true farmers market and that is why I believe it is the Ultimate Farmers Market!

The Discover Downtown Franklin teams works VERY hard to make the Franklin Farmers Market a success each week. The caliber of vendors is unmatched, as is the location.

The Franklin Street Bazaar features a wide range of vendors, from fresh produce and artisanal foods to handmade crafts and local artwork. This variety ensures that visitors can find something unique and of high quality every time they visit.  The Bazaar serves as more than just a market; it’s a social gathering place where people come to connect, enjoy live music, and participate in community activities. This makes it a vital part of the local social fabric.

By providing a platform for local farmers and artisans, it supports small businesses and promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the consumption of locally produced goods. The market often features unique and specialty items that are hard to find elsewhere. This includes not only fresh and organic produce but also unique crafts and products that reflect the local culture and creativity.   Its central location makes it convenient for both locals and visitors, enhancing its popularity and attendance.

The Franklin Street Bazaar hosts various events throughout the year, making each visit a unique experience. These events often include live performances, workshops, and themed market days that attract a diverse crowd.  Finally, the Bazaar has a positive impact on the community by providing a sense of pride. It encourages healthy eating habits by providing access to fresh, local produce and creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive.

Nominating the Franklin Street Bazaar for the best Farmers Market in Indiana not only highlights its contributions to the local community but also recognizes the hard work and dedication of its vendors and organizers in creating a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable marketplace.

Good Variety of Vendors!

The positive impact that the Lawrenceburg Farmers Market continues to have on its local community and the southeastern region of Indiana cannot be understated. Under the guidance of Lawrenceburg Main Street and through their partnership with Aurora farmer Rich Turpin, as their Market Manager, the Lawrenceburg Farmers Market is focused on fostering an environment in which local agricultural producers, bakers, non-profits, and artisan craft makers can grow their businesses and public outreach. By partnering with local organizations, such as Purdue Dearborn County Extension and the Dearborn County Health Department, they have implemented programs like Kids POP! (power of produce) Club which introduces kids to new ways of preparing and eating vegetables and the Summer Get Healthy program which provided free health screenings at the farmers market and encouraged participation in Summer activity programs in the area like Yoga in the Park and Walk with a Doc. Once a month, a neighboring restaurant conducts a cooking demo for patrons that incorporates in-season produce found at the market.

The dedication and support for this farmers market can be felt when you attend and engage with its patrons, vendors, staff, and volunteers and something that I highly recommend that you experience for yourself.

Madison Farmers Market is the oldest market in the state! Madison is a great town with a lot to offer, which includes supporting local farmers, florists, artisans, bakers and more!

It’s great to welcome them into our downtown district and give locals access to locally grown vegetables, meats, fruits and more.

It’s such a lovely market and amazing vendors.

Miller Beach Farmers Market is serving an incredible important purpose in Gary, IN, as the market works to provide residents and visitors with increased access to fresh, local food options! Additionally, their ongoing SNAP and Double Up programming is an amazing resource for individuals and families who rely on food assistance benefits.

 

The Minnetrista farmers market is known for its wide variety of goods and its exceptional atmosphere. You can find everything from fresh produce, eggs, meats, and honeys as well as handmade clothing, jewelry, art, pottery, stained glass, and more! We have been diversifying our ready-to-eat food options this year, offering options from Thai food to smoothie bowls to fresh pork burgers! Enjoy all of this in our gorgeous outdoor areas, and if things get too hot you can step inside the museum or gift shop. Bring your family, friends, and pets!

This is a great location with a great vendor base and great customer base.   It continues to grow each year.  They have special activities for the whole family.   I have been a vendor there for the last 3 years and enjoy every moment of the market.   It is handicap friendly environment and fun for all.

Great atmosphere for a leisurely Saturday morning.

This market is the vibrant hub for southern Indiana farms. It is the bridge between the local community and the artisans, farmers and bakers who create and grow. Relationships are built here that connect local people to the creativity of “makers” and the soil of the farmers. One of my friends describes the market as a “party downtown every Saturday.” And it is in a way a party…the most special kind…filled with music, vegetables, laughter, cookies, flowers, popcorn, homemade jewelry, local honey, samples, jokes, and real life. It’s the real thing.

This is a nice sized market, that runs every Saturday throughout the year. There are plenty of options at the market to choose from fresh produce, fresh meat, dairy, snack mixes, baked goods, to candles, soap, clothes, and trinkets. The market has events for the kids every Saturday throughout the Summer, as well as some sort of live music performed by a local artist.

Great vendors who work together!

Greatest one in our area. Local

Products and great variety!

The New Albany Farmers Market has such a wide array of offerings.  The vendors are truly a team and genuinely caring and nice.  I can’t say enough about this group of folks and the items that are offered.  The kids programs!!!!!  My gosh!  Out of this world!

It has everything you need in one place.  Everything is homemade, or homegrown by local farmers and artisans.  Everyone appears to be enjoying their shopping experience.

This market has been active for over 20 yrs.  I have been a vendor for 11yrs and have found a second home.

Our market does engagement with our community and helps undeserved areas with fresh local produce.  They are the biggest market for miles around and have a great eclectic mix of vendors. Everything must be handmade and no direct sales. We are also part of Harvest Homecoming every year. Which is a long running festival and one of Indiana’s biggest festivals. Overall, I feel we have a ton of folks who are very invested and have come to market and brought the next generation.  Appreciation of local farmers and growers is pivotal in our success as a community.

Because it is the best market around. Has the best home-grown things and it is so diverse

Well balanced variety of vendors, well organized, great selection of music entertainment, kids days, runs year-round

This market is a lively year-round outdoor market that hosts a variety of vendors featuring the best of Southern Indiana farmers, artisan bakers, and crafts. The environment is family friendly and positive with vendors trying to build genuine connections with their customers who become part of the farmers market community as they support the market and spread word to neighbors and friends.  There are products for all, including foods that meet various dietary restrictions, including a dedicated gluten free bakery, and options for vegan and vegetarian customers. The live music highlights some of the best music of the area, including  well loved jazz musicians who add to the fun, positive energy of the market.

The New Albany Farmers Market stands out as the premier farmers market in our area due to its consistent growth and its invaluable service to both local farmers and the general public. The market not only offers an extensive array of fresh produce but also provides a vibrant space for community engagement. Families can enjoy a wide range of children’s activities, and the market’s double-up EBT program ensures accessibility for all members of the community. Furthermore, the inclusion of live music performances each week adds to the market’s lively and welcoming atmosphere, making it a truly enriching addition to our local community.

Noblesville Main Streets Farmers Market is incredible. They work hard to support the local growers, artisans, bakery and food vendors, drawing people from all over the state of Indiana.

As a vendor and a member of this community, I can confidently say that the Noblesville Farmers Market exemplifies the very best of what a farmers market can be.

The market is a vibrant hub of activity, bringing together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The diversity of offerings, from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, ensures that there is something for everyone. It’s a place where community bonds are strengthened and local businesses thrive.

The market’s organization and dedication to quality are outstanding. Maggie and the team behind the Noblesville Farmers Market works tirelessly to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for both vendors and visitors. Their commitment to supporting local agriculture and promoting healthy, sustainable living is truly commendable.

Moreover, the market fosters a sense of community that is both unique and inspiring. It is not just a place to shop but a place to connect with neighbors, share stories, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly believe that the Noblesville Farmers Market deserves the title of Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market for 2024. Thank you for considering my nomination.

Raúl, The Latín Griller

This market is definitely a farmers market and so much more!  From the early morning “Get Moving at the Market” fitness classes to the concert series of weekly live music, this market offers a full community experience. Over 100 vendors each week selling produce, fresh made foods, and handmade crafts, this market offers groceries and gifts!  It’s a celebration of community and a place that truly welcomes everyone!

We have a large and diverse group of amazing vendors who work so hard to make our market the very best it can be. We have fun community events, kid’s days for young entrepreneurs, concert series, Get Moving at the Market Fitness classes, guest speakers for Health Days promoting a healthy lifestyle, so many yummy things to eat, and a great welcoming vibe to all types of people.  Along with all of your groceries, you can find some unique shopping items too!

This is a very large farmers market with a great variety of food and unique items for everyone.

This market has a nice mix of vendors, dog friendly and a very nice setting

It’s a great market with excellent variety of products and very well attended.
People attending and other vendors are friendly and fun to be around!They do an amazing job setting up, communicating promotions and new events. They also bring amazing vendors of all kinds without too many of one thing. I love being apart of the farmers market in Noblesville!

The Orleans Farmers Market is the best! With lots of great vendors – farmers, bakers, and artisans to the musicians and programs the market offers, it’s the place to be Saturday mornings May through October.

We have the best backdrop in the state per James Wolff – Purdue.
We have the best vendors

Great market manager, Karyn, who has over 70 amazing vendors every Saturday in the most gorgeous park in Indiana!

 

 

This market has a wonderful mix of items. I can get fresh vegetables, free range meat, eggs, honey, jams, baked goods and coffee. Some of those items make great gifts plus they have pottery booths, plants, jewelry, leather items, wood items and dog treats. I look forward to going every Saturday when I pick up the most delicious bread ever from a booth. Visitors can buy prepared food also. I love to get a coffee from The Spark truck and look at everything and listen to the entertainment.

I, Tori Stanke, volunteer at this beautifully located farmer’s market during the summer. I’ve had such a divine time here, the food is just perfect, and so is the rest. I love it.

Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market does a wonderful job with advertisement, including many different vendors, and has a comfortable location in a lawn with nice shade and parking. The Plainfield Chamber shares a comprehensive list of vendors on their website. They even indicate if the vendor accepts WIC, which helps in planning a trip. Thank you!

The Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market has become a weekly destination for not only our Community but the surrounding area. We have a wide variety of fresh, local seasonal produce vendors, woodworking, fiber, stain glass, jewelry, and culinary artisans, as well as talented musicians every week. We offer weekly activity days, and pride ourselves in having a variety of food trucks (Philippino, Latin American, Italian, Mexican, American) to draw in consumers to the Market.  Our vendors are telling us this has been our largest attended season in the history of our Market! We hope you will check us out and give us the opportunity to see what our patrons and vendors think in the voting process. Thank you!

This market is in “the small town” of Seymour IN. Also home to John (Cougar) Mellencamp. It has been said it’s the perfect location just an hour from Indianapolis to the north and an hour to Louisville to the south.

It is a community where people find the time to get to know their farmers/producers. In addition the farmers/producers get to know the patrons.   Vendors support each other and utilize local products in their recipes.

The market is a gathering place, a place for community. Entire families work the booths from months old to (almost) 91! There are young entrepreneurs (under 18) called rookies and established local farms spanning generations. Every item sold at the market has to be homemade/homegrown – and some items have been known to have been expected now that they’ve been tested (like Hungarian coffee cakes or flavored babkas). In additional, Jackson County melons are known to be the best!

In any given Saturday you might run into the Mayor and his family or the local lifeline helicopter pilots grabbing a quick snack.

The market runs weekly from Mother’s Day through September and once a month October-April.

https://www.jacksoncochamber.com/seymour-area-farmers-market/

The Stockwell Farmers Market is unique with monthly themes, small town charm and beautiful grounds.

It’s great and keeps getting bigger and better every year!

I’ve sold at several markets and even helped start one. This market is friendly and has a relaxed atmosphere. Parking is free, it’s an open-air outdoor market where folks are welcome to being their leashed pets. Plenty of people walk or bike to Woolery as well.

 

 

Their vendors are great quality! They have the best music and a really fun atmosphere. We love the trees and pond and all the nature that surround this market.

This is such a fun market. There’s a great variety of farm, food & artisan vendors. We love the Power of Produce program for kids. We also love the live music, food trucks, the beautiful park setting, and the young entrepreneur program. It’s a fun way to spend a Friday evening.

 

subpage-hero-5