MARKET PURPOSE
To provide opportunities for local farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers and provide the community with fresh, local and healthy food. A wholesome gathering place for people of all ages, for education, socialization, and to support local farmers who use sustainable and healthy growing practices.
OBJECTIVES
a) Increase the local food supply and production
b) Expand/enhance the economic strength and viability of farmers in the area
c) Contribute to the health and well being of residents and business employees
d) Help maintain farming practices for farmers and their families
e) Recognize the environmental implications of farming
f) Encourage a direct connection between local farmers and local chefs
g) Educate the community as to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
h) Promote good nutrition
PRODUCE AVAILABILITY
FRUITS
Apples - Mid August-Late Spring
Apricots - Mid July - Mid August
Blueberries - Early July -Mid September
Cantaloupe - Early Augsut - lake October
Cherries (sour) - Early July - Mid July
Cherries (sweet) - July
Grapes - Mid September - Early October
Nectarines - Mid August - Mid September
Peaches - Early July - Late September
Pears - Mid August - Late October
Plums - Early Augusst - Late September
Raspberries - July; and Early September - Early October
Strawberries - Mid June - Mid July
Watermelons - Mid August - Late October
VEGETABLES
Asparagus - Early May - Late June
Beans (snap, green,etc.) - Early July - Early October
Beets - Early July - Early September
Broccoli - Early July - Late October
Brussels Sprouts - EArly Setpebmer - Late November
Cabbage - Early July - Late November
Carrots - Mid July - Early October
Cauliflower - Early July - Late November
Cucumbers - Early July - Late October
Eggplant - Early July - Late October
Green Onions - Early June - Mid october
Indian Corn - Mid September - Late October
Lettuces - Mid May - Mid October
Peas - Mid June - Mid July
Peppers - Early July - First Frost
Potatoes - Mid July - Late October
Pumpkins - October
Radishes - Early June - Mid October
Spinach - Mid May-Mid July; Early September - Late October
Sweet Corn - Mid July - Late September
Squash - Mid-July - Early October
Tomatoes - Early July - Late October
OTHER
Bedding Plants - Early May - Late June
Cut Flowers - Early May - Mid October
Christmas Trees & Wreaths - December
Cider - Mid NOvember - L ate February
Dill - Mid July - First Frost
Hanging Baskets - Early April - Late June
MARKET DATES
Each Saturday from May through October - 7 am to 12 Noon
Location: St. Paul's Lutheran Church parking lot, 210 E. Pleasant Street, Oconomowoc
Check the calendar for detail about upcoming Farmer's Market schedules
CURRENT TRENDS
Consumer trends are showing an ever-increasing demand for fresh, healthy, locally grown food. Currently, there is a trend to expand the term "market" to include more than farm and agricultural products. Many markets now include educational components to encourage a wider customer base. Adding special events are ways to bring customers to the market and keep them there longer.
Customers prefer a festival type atmosphere, fast-paced, diversity of offerings, and a family event.
FARMERS
Includes local and regional farmers whose practices are organic or sustainable. Our farmers are a "producer only" market - they sell what they grow, harvest and raise.
MARKET SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors: First Bank Financial Centre, Lutheran Homes of Oconomowoc, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, Diversified Personnel Services, Eagle Mountain Promotions, Eagle Printing & Graphics, Ocreative Design Studio and Olympia Resort & Conference Center
Gold Sponsors: ISB Community Bank, WaterStone Bank, Premold Corp., Rocky Rococo, Winter Kloman
Moter & Repp, SC
Season Sponsors: The UPS Store, Evolution Marketing & City of Oconomowoc
3-Month Sponsors: Golosi Gelato Cafe, Berkshire Oconomowoc, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Books & Company
2009 Market Monitor: Greener Oconomowoc
MONTHLY EVENTS
• Fresh Produce
• Plants, Flowers, Herbs
• Seed Exchanges
• Program re: growing; environmental; gardening
• Health & Wellness Information Booths
• Master Gardeners
• Visiting Chefs
• Farm Fresh Meats
• Coffee Sales
• Music
• Drum Circles
• Laughing Yoga
• Book Club
• Entertainment
• Recipes and Cookbook Exchange
• Seasonal Job Board
FACT SHEET
How many Farmer’s Markets in SE Wisconsin?
Over 32 markets in a 4 county area
How do consumers find a Farmer’s Market?
Word of mouth; Signage; Drive-by; websites
How often do consumers visit a Farmer’s Market?
Most come every or every other week; others 4 or 5 times a year
How far will the consumer travel to visit a Farmer’s Market?
Most visitors live within 5 miles of market; reduces 6-10 miles from Market; Drops off at 11 miles with exceptions of tourists
How much do consumers spend at a Farmer’s Market?
Differs greatly by Market; some $5-$10; mostly $11-$20; some much more
What are consumers looking for at Farmer’s Markets?
Basics – product quality and contact with farmers; social aspects and festive atmosphere; environmental concerns and price
What do consumers want from a Farmer’s Markets?
Consistency; Customer Service – knowledge and staff; variety; working together with the community
Why do Consumers return to a Farmer’s Markets?
Support local agriculture; environmental concerns; unique offerings; and social aspects
What will keep consumers coming back to a Farmer’s Markets?
Getting to know the farmers; education on farming practices; education about the produce offered; answer cooking questions; use brochures, web sites and other materials
The above information was taken from a 2-year survey of market managers, vendors and customers by Kristin
Krokowski, Commercial Horticulture Educator, UW Extension – Waukesha County Kristin.krokowski@ces.uwex.edu or 262-548-7768
