Stillwater Farmers’ Market Attendance
Remains Strong with 1 Month to Go

CONTACT: Dana Jackson, 651-653-0618
PHOTO AVAILABLE: For a digital photo of the Stillwater Farmers’ Market, contact Cael Warren, 715-252-6359; intern2@landstewardshipproject.org

9/27/07
STILLWATER, Minn.—As the last few weeks of the 2007 Stillwater Farmers’ Market season draw near, the pumpkins and squash have started to replace lettuce and flowers, but the dwindling supply of greens and floral arrangements has not deterred the market’s many loyal customers. 

An estimated 540 people strolled through the market on Sept. 15, said St. Croix River Valley Buy Fresh, Buy Local Campaign Coordinator Dana Jackson.  Jackson, along with an intern in community-based food systems and a University of Wisconsin Extension horticulture educator, braved the cold early that Saturday to tally shoppers and gather their input about the market. 

Customers were asked to answer four basic questions to help farmers gain an understanding of where shoppers come from, how frequently they shop at the market, how they learn about the market, and what the market should do differently. 

The results, said Jackson, revealed that most respondents were regular customers who lived very near (within three miles of) the market and heard about it through word-of-mouth. The most popular suggestions for market improvements were to offer more produce and to bring in a cheese vendor. The study revealed that the regular shoppers and vendors have a sense of community at this successful little market, according to Jackson.

The devoted vendors at the Stillwater Farmers’ Market will continue to brave cold, rain or snow to bring to consumers a variety of seasonal vegetables, apples, meats, honey, maple syrup, soaps, and herbs through the month of October.  Bread Art (of Bayport) will also bring its hot coffee and delectable breads and pastries to warm up customers through the end of the season.  Join this group of loyal shoppers and vendors from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the corner of Third and Pine Streets, across from the Courthouse. 

The St. Croix River Valley’s Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign, meanwhile, will continue through the winter to promote the many advantages of buying fresh, locally-produced food.  Keep an eye out for the campaign’s colorful logo as its organizers continue to endorse local agriculture and conduct similar studies at farmers’ markets next season. For more information on Buy Fresh, Buy Local, call 651-653-0618 or visit www.landstewardshipproject.org/foodfarm-main.html#stcroix.

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SURVEY RESULTS AVAILABLE: For a pdf copy of the Sept. 15, 2007, Stillwater Farmers’ Market Rapid Market Assessment, click here.