You say you want a revolution? Well, yeah, we all wanna change the world. When there is a cause, say to revolt against the BIG things, and give the BIG corporate giants an impactful bust in their GMO creating, plastic-package, global warming, eco-killing chops, local Farmers’ Markets give us a really fun way to do it too—kapow!
Elliot of SLC Top Crops
Common grounds among all these markets: they support local farms along with food and non-food related businesses—allowing folks like you to wander among vendor tents, some with dogs on leashes or baby strollers, or both. Beyond the freshest produce (ask if they are organic), vendors sell unique artsy-craftsy things (ceramics, clothing, artwork), hippy-yippie skin care (expect lots of CBD—thanks prop 2), and you’ll find services, like a massage on face-down chairs, henna tattoo artists, and really stinky latrines.
Entertainment also plays a big part of the market experience, mostly musical performance, sometimes dance or carnie acts.
Note: some markets offer the Double Up Food Bucks or DUFB (formerly SNAP) program, in partnership with the Salt Lake Health Department. Green and wooden tokens can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables.
Markets also supply either food trucks or vendors with ready-made items. Thirsty? You bet. Locally made creative kombucha, mint-limeade, ciders or anything nitro (coffee or tea) on tap, they usually offer samples, and bring your reusable growler. As a side note, the profit margins and start-up costs for any business is generally narrow or slim—be generous and don’t haggle for prices at the market—it’s not the time to be cheap and tips are always appreciated.
We’ve got an abundance of options this season, support them all!
Saturdays at the Downtown Salt Lake Farmers Market is the oldest and the largest. Local only farmers and producers offer the freshest local fruits and vegetables as well as a wide variety of grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy, honey, flowers… It’s a busy crowd, so for less stress and first dibs on the good stuff, arrive early, and even better, come on two-wheels and take advantage of their bike valet services. Accepts DUFB. Saturdays, June 8 – October 19, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Historic Pioneer Park, SLC.
The Liberty Park Farmers Market helps support local farms and businesses by bringing fresh local produce directly to the Liberty Wells community. A smaller more intimate market experience, offering a handful of fresh produce vendors, eggs and honey, as well as arts and craft vendors. Accepts DUFB. Fridays, June 7 – October, 4 pm., until dusk, Liberty Park, SLC.
Going since 2010, the Sugar House Farmers Market has been meeting up at Fairmont Park, with a handful of local food, artists, and fresh produce vendors. It is laid back and casual, a stage with live entertainment is set up for those to walk by or gather around to enjoy. This market is a little hidden gem in the heart of a quickly developing area, so opt for taking the S-Line or Parley’s Trail instead of driving and make an evening out of it. Wednesdays, July -September, 5 p.m. -8 p.m., Fairmont Park, 1040 E Sugarmont Dr., Sugar House.
The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is backed by New Roots of Salt Lake City – a subsidiary program of the IRC or International Rescue Committee. Participating farmers gain access to land and are then able to sell their produce at the Sunnyvale Farmers Market. Specializing in ethnic crops, many locally grown vegetables (bean leaves, amaranth, red and daikon radishes, lambsquarter, solanum and pumpkin shoots) are impossible to find at conventional markets and are highly desirable to those who love them. The market also includes a food pantry, free kids lunch and activities, music and is a safe gathering space for all. Starting June 15th, Saturdays from 12 – 2 p.m. Sunnyvale Park, 4013 S. 700 West, SLC.
WHEELER FARM FARMERS’ MARKET
Sunday mornings are even better if you get out to the Historical Wheeler Farm and peruse their open market. They’ve got a variety of local vendors, food trucks and artisans, and another big draw—lots of open space to park, stroll, picnic, take a peek inside the barn, touch a pig’s wet snout or take a tractor ride. Very kid friendly. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 6351 S. 900 East, Murray.
The Park Silly Market comes out of hibernation on Sunday, June 2nd. More than 200,000 people are expected to join in the madness this summer as local vendors transform Main Street into an event space. Make room for the lasso-throwing stilt walkers, revelers should be pleased to know that their environmental impact will be minimized through a rigid recycling program and food scraps donated to lucky pigs in Kamas. Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Main Street, Park City.
With a farm established by Farmer Luke Peterson’s Great Great Grandfather and planted in 1871, Food Truck Friday welcomes you to visit the farm and fuel up with dinner provided by a variety of mobile food vendors. While you’re there, the Peterson Market partners up with other Utah growers and food artisans, allowing you to shop and support local commerce. Food Truck Friday starts at 5 p.m., the Peterson Farm Market is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and til 9 p.m. on Fridays. 11887 South 4000 West, Riverton.
Former Salt Lake Magazine Associate Editor Jen Hill is a SLC transplant from Bloomington, Ind. As a blogger and feature writer, Jen follows the pulse of the community with interests in urban agriculture, business, fitness & beauty and anything that allows her to get out of the office and into the mountains.
