Farmer's Market sees busy opening Saturday
The opening day of the Butler City Farmer's Market brought a surprising, but welcome, rush of customers and activity on Saturday.
“It's been a really good opening,” said Bob Dandoy, who runs the farmer's market located on South Chestnut Street opposite Rotary Park.
“Usually, the produce isn't available yet, people aren't even aware that it's open, but it's been a steady stream of people here all day,” Dandoy said.
The market offers produce and goods made by locals and will now be open every Saturday until it closes in late October. Along with a variety of produce and other items, including crafts, herbs — even homemade vodka — the market also has musical acts scheduled to perform. Usually, Dandoy said the market hires a local artist to play acoustic music in the open-air building where the market is held.
Unlike most other farmer's markets, Dandoy pointed out that Butler's is held in a roofed-structure so it is open regardless of the weather.
This weekend, there were 10 vendors offering an array of goods, according to Dandoy, adding how the open market means nutritious products are easily available to shoppers.
“There's a concern that this city is about to become a food desert. This market softens the blow,” Dandoy said. “This is an important community aspect. It's not just about shopping. People come here and socialize, build community ties. It really is a gem to have this here.”
