Lake Life Review: Farmers Market in the Park
Visiting the area’s farmers markets has become a summer favorite for my family. Many Saturday mornings are spent heading to Arnolds Park for the Farmers Market at the Park or over to the Dickinson County Fairgrounds for the Lakes Area Farmers Market. I love connecting with friends, many of whom are also vendors, guaranteeing us a moment to catch-up. It’s also an activity my kids enjoy with me, whether it’s one-on-one or all of us together. The farmers market is a time to slow down and has become a great start to our Saturdays.
Farmers Market in the Park
We like to go to the Farmers Market closer to opening, at 8:30 a.m. On this particular Saturday, I had my whole family along for the market. My husband Jeremy, daughters Charlotte and Anna, and our son Noah. Wide interests and wants! We had a blast!
A few of our favorite must grabs over the summer:
- Strawberry Dubai cups from Lakeside Charcuterie
- Flowers from Little Sioux Stems or Silo Ridge Peony Farm
- Popsicles from The Frozen Parrot
- Sourdough from Nystrom Orchard
- Crepes from Nova Patisserie
- Coffee from Topog Coffeehouse
- Honey from Boernsen Bees
- Handmade Goat Soap from BojiWare
- Pastries from Four de Marie.
- Must-have skin products from Mama Sunshine Herbal Creations.
Over the years, I have gained friends and great connections with the vendors. It really becomes a family! Krissy Thiessen, organizer of Farmers Market in the Park and co-owner of Cherry Lane Farms, LLC, does a great job bringing together the area community for anyone looking to enjoy a gorgeous morning down by West Lake Okoboji, and we’re always appreciative of Arnolds Park Amusement Park for hosting every Saturday. They have two great booths, serving different breakfast options and drinks.
I have to say I rarely leave the market without buying some type of flowers, sourdough bread or breakfast treats for whoever is along that morning! I love how there are different options and everyone can find something they like on any particular day, whether it’s a Breakfast Burrito, crepe or pastry. Noah always likes to stock up on honey pop or get a few flavored honey sticks. Or if he’s sneaky, tags along with his big sister and gets a scoop of Topog ice cream way before 10 a.m., while his sister gets her morning coffee.
When walking Lake Street, we enjoy the beautiful artistry mingled amongst the booths, whether it’s pots, framed area maps by Keep Okoboji Blue or handcrafted ornaments from Wipper Willow. There are several booths showcasing special seasonings to pair with quality meat a couple vendors away. There is always awesome in-season produce and baked goods.
The Farmers Market in the Park is every Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day and goes from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lakes Area Farmers Market
The Lakes Area Farmers Market is located at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds and is open every Wednesday 3-6 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. I didn’t get there until 10 a.m. this particular Saturday and found many of the vendors selling baked items almost had sold out! What they had left looked amazing and by the time I had left, all of their hard work was heading home with buyers.
One of my first stops was Brandt’s Gardens and Greenhouse where I had a hard time saying “No” to more plants. The stock was gorgeous and reasonably priced at 6 plants for $20. This was a deal that I couldn’t pass up. Other vendors were selling beautiful in-season produce that were popular amongst the visitors. I enjoy a large garden at my parent’s farm so I’m not searching out produce but it was fun to talk “shop” with the vendors. If you need any type of vegetable, then come to Spirit Lake because the tables were filled with produce. Guritz Produce Farm is right when you walk in and has beautiful vegetables and farm fresh eggs, which are offered at both farmers markets.
Sourdough bread is sold by several vendors, including Stupid Good Bread of Ryan Henderson’s Thinline Bakeshop. The sample pieces were so good! Circle Six Farm and Ranch was offering full-blooded Japanese Wagyu, Angus beef, and Berkshire Pork meat, while you can even get eggs, SDSU ice cream, flour, butter and cheese from Amo Creamery.
Some of my favorite booths were artists like Jeff Holdorf’s Okoboji Trading Company. His wood handiworks are exceptional. Then I was completely drawn in by Nancy Nelson’s gorgeous watercolor paintings featuring many popular area locations and sights including the Queen II which were especially striking. You can buy everything from a postcard to larger work. The perfect gift for yourself or a friend.
I enjoyed Lissa Potter working on her pottery wheel. I was mesmerized and just stood there watching her create. From the art, food, produce to a fun children interactive booth, everyone will leave the market happy. Even better, this market is inside so you never have to worry about weather conditions.
Market On Market
Another option to find delightful produce or want to connect with friends is Lake Park’s Market on Market, created by April Junge and Kayla Shaw. The market takes place every other Thursday evening throughout the summer, transforming Market Street into a lively gathering place filled with shopping, dining, entertainment, and community connection.
Visitors can stroll through vendor booths featuring handmade goods, fresh produce, baked treats, specialty products, home décor, and much more. One of the most unique aspects of Market on Market is the strong partnership between the event and Lake Park’s downtown businesses. Market Street businesses play an important role in the success of the market, often extending their hours, offering specials, and welcoming visitors into their stores during market evenings.
Beyond shopping, there was live music by Spirit Lake native Gavin Erickson, and the kids loved the face painting. If you are looking for a fun evening, head over to Lake Park every other Thursday.
Spencer Farmers Market
I didn’t make it down to Spencer this week, but Spencer Farmers Market features much of the same—delightful people selling their produce, art and services. They are open on 1019 Grand Ave S. every Wednesday night from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. until noon.
Each of these farmers markets are filled with future friends, waiting to meet you. I know I love the connections I’ve made through the years. Right now, I have a beautiful purple delphinium flower in a vase from last Saturday’s farmers’ market. So, if you are looking for a fun adventure, visit any one of these markets and you will always come home with a treasure.