Downtown Appleton Farm Market had its opening day June 6, celebrating its 43rd year. Reaching from College Avenue between Appleton to Morrison Streets, the street was full of local food trucks from the Fox Valley, small businesses, musical guests, and more.
The ‘calm before the storm’
Vendors often arrive several hours early to have enough time to make it to their designated spot in the market, and giving themselves enough time to properly set up.
Lydia Lanzel, a henna artist from Beauty from Ash-Henna Tattoos, remarked on the calm of the opening mornings and the lull that the market has before the crowd of people start to walk down College Avenue.
“I really like coming here early and setting everything up in the quiet before everyone starts flowing in,” said Lanzel. “I think it is really relaxing and … I haven’t been too nervous at all.”
Other vendor owners reflected that while it isn’t the first time they have attended, there are some differences and commonalities from previous years farmer’s market.
“I have been doing this [attending Downtown Appleton Farm Market] for fourteen years now,” said Bill Grabow of Gemstone Jewelry. “The preparation is a lot, I start prepping in January because I have to plant everything and buy boxes for everything too. There is something new every time [but today] is usually the busiest day of the year.”
The perks of a big market
Several vendors had long lines, but people in attendance weren’t just focused on the hotspots of the market, rather many enjoyed walking through the market in its entirety before deciding what stops were necessary for a successful day trip to the market. Megan Turnmeyer and Ginny Turner, in front of one of the floral assortment tents, enjoyed having open access to fresh produce and taking the time to enjoy the market itself.
“I’m really excited about [the farmer’s market],” Turnmeyer said. “I love that I can get my fresh vegetables… and obviously the flowers, cannot go wrong with the flowers. It really is just so beautiful here.”
Turner conveyed similar sentiment, expressing that “if I could go to this farmer’s market every day of the week, I would.”
The positive atmosphere was spread all across the street, with vendors making the comment multiple times about how nice it is to see such a big crowd on opening day and the hopes of a good turnout in the weeks to come.
“I am a people person … today I am enjoying all of the cool people I have been meeting,” said Tina Plummer of Chandelier Boutique. “The market … everyone is happy, everyone is feeling good, and we’ve had so many cool people coming by today, everyone is just in a good mood. I am hoping [today] I can learn how to make this perfect … and be ready for the next two weeks we are here.”
The market will be operating its summer hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays from now until October 17. More information on specific vendors for each week can be found at appletondowntown.org.
Emma Johnson is the Appleton Post-Crescent’s summer intern. Reach her at ejohnson@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Downtown Appleton Farm Market kicks off season with sunny day, crowds
Reporting by Emma Johnson, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
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By Emma Johnson, Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY Network
