This year's Rochester Farmers Markets to feature live music, exercise classes
One of the surest signs of spring in Rochester is almost here — with the outdoor version of Rochester Farmers Markets set to return for 2021.
New market manager Abby Shepler says this year’s outdoor market series — the second at Graham Park — will be the largest in the organization’s 36-year history, with more than 100 vendors and concession stands signed up to participate. Every product at the market has to be made in a 50-mile radius of Rochester, which covers most of southeast Minnesota.
Farmers market staples — produce, meat, baked goods, and more — will be available, in addition to some more specialized products. Among the new products Shepler’s excited for: hazelnut oil infused with CBD, wagyu beef, and a porter jam made in collaboration with Thesis Beer Project.
“There’s a lot of stuff that’s new this year that you wouldn’t be able to find at your typical Midwest farmers market,” said Shepler.
While the product list expands, Shepler says the biggest difference between this year’s market and previous ones will be found in the atmosphere surrounding the vendors — there will be live music and some form of an exercise class at every market.
“In the past we’ve had people play at the market, and we’ve had yoga classes now and then, but it’s never been every single week,” said Shepler. “It hasn’t been at every market and every morning in the past, but now we can say that.”
After previously setting up in the parking lot at the corner of Fourth Street and Third Avenue SE, Shepler says the new location at Graham Park will allow more market-goers to spend the morning at the market, with a new picnic area available and more options for parking. The new space ended up being perfect for the immediate post-pandemic world, Shepler says.
“Especially after the past year we’ve all gone through, I think it really makes a difference to be able to get outside, get some exercise, and see friends and family,” said Shepler. “We have such a large space at Graham Park, so I feel almost a sense of obligation to offer something like that.”
Saturday’s market opens at 7:30 a.m., with programs kicking off shortly thereafter; events include a Tai Chi class at 8, live music from Root River Jam at 9, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Kim Norton at 10. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was originally scheduled for May 2020 to celebrate the market’s move to Graham Park, but was postponed due to the pandemic.
One year after that postponement, Shepler says she and her team are ready to move forward with the celebration — recognizing a year of hard work and perseverance from their farmers, while looking forward to an action-packed summer.
“We’re really excited to have the community celebrate with us,” said Shepler.
The outdoor market will be open every Saturday from now until October, rain or shine, between 7:30 a.m. and noon.
Isaac Jahns is a Rochester native and a 2019 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. He reports on politics, business and music for Med City Beat.
Cover photo courtesy Rochester Farmers Markets
