The weekly Fort Myers Farmers Market takes place downtown each Saturday, where Southwest Florida businesses set up booths along First Street and Broadway.
Jean Baer, one of the market’s cofounders, talks about the businesses who participate:
“We have a jerky vendor, and they have a brand-new store here on Broadway. They come out here every day and showcase a little bit about the different types of jerky that they have and then point people in the direction of their store. We also have Crooked Halos. They operate downtown here on Dean Street,” Baer said.
Among the vendors who also have downtown storefronts are:
Baer said the farmers market highlights local business with 45 to 50 vendors participating.
“It’s just a really great way to increase the foot traffic into downtown and to let these small businesses broaden their awareness,” Baer said.
Marie Dyer, owner of Azaleas on the Corner, talks about how she supports the local community.
“We deal in art, plants and wine. We also do workshops. We’ve got painting and planting workshops, and we do private parties for people,” Dyer said.
Dyer also explained why she believes the market benefits from operating every Saturday.
“It shows people that the downtown is really alive, whether it is music or art. On Saturdays, we have great fruits and vegetables, matcha and vendors that sell clothing. We have great vendors, and I think people are recognizing it is time to come back downtown. We are going to have it every single weekend. It is going to run right through the summer, which is amazing,” Dyer said.
Baer notes that new vendors are welcome and talked about how they can get started.
“Many people ask us how to get involved in the downtown farmer’s market. The easiest way is to visit our website, buylocallee.com, which is what you like to do when you go to a farmers’ market. We have applications and space available. We would love to have you,” Baer said.
Fort Myers Farmers Market, First Street and Broadway, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday; buylocallee.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: ‘Downtown is alive’ – Fort Myers Farmers Market showcases local vendors year-round
Reporting by Mahogany Jenkins, Special to The News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
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