KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City’s City Market is marking National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 2–9, by highlighting the farmers, growers and traditions that have defined the market since 1857.
Paula Stocker, the farmers market manager at City Market, said the market draws large crowds on peak days.
“I would say on a beautiful day like today, over 15,000 people will come through the market today,” Stocker said.
A market rooted in history
Stocker described City Market as one of the oldest and largest farmers markets in the Midwest, with vendors representing multiple generations of growers and a mix of cultures.
One of the Midwest’s oldest markets has drawn thousands of visitors as it marks a week honoring local agriculture.(KCTV)
“You’re going to see a very diverse, eclectic mix of vendors,” Stocker said. “You’re going to see vendors that have been coming for many generations.”
The market currently hosts more than 150 vendors. On Sundays, it also partners with Art Garden KC and River Market Flea, which operate alongside the regular farmers market.
Fresh produce and direct connections to growers
Stocker said much of the produce available at the market was harvested the day before or the morning of the market.
“So you’re going to get the freshest, tastiest produce available,” Stocker said.
She said melons, cantaloupes and tomatoes are currently at peak season, along with okra and eggplant. Stocker added that she personally inspects every farm that sells at the market.
Supporting local farms and the local economy
Jon Trozzolo, a longtime City Market visitor, said supporting local vendors is a key reason he returns.
“We could go to the grocery store all day and night long, but the local farmers, the mom and pop shops, they need the money the most,” Trozzolo said. “And I think that it’s important for us to show support for them.”
Trozzolo said he has been coming to City Market since childhood and that fruits and vegetables are his primary focus when he visits.
“Most importantly, when I first get here, I look at the fruits and vegetables,” Trozzolo said. “Those are the things that I’m primarily interested in.”
Stocker echoed the economic argument for shopping locally, saying dollars spent at the market stay within the community.
“I just think the peace of mind you get with knowing your growers and knowing that you’re supporting their family,” Stocker said. “And they’re, in turn, supporting other local businesses.”
A destination for visitors near and far
Trozzolo said City Market draws visitors from across the country, not just the Kansas City metro.
“When they see the City Market, they are like, wow, Kansas City is happening,” Trozzolo said. “Kansas City has something very valuable to offer.”
Stocker said the market’s location on the streetcar line makes it accessible, and that its diversity sets it apart from other area farmers markets.
“You’re just not gonna find this energy any other place,” Stocker said.
Hours and information
City Market is open every day, year-round. The outdoor farmers market operates on the following schedule:
January – February: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.March: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.April – October: Saturdays & Sundays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.November – December: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Farmers Market Week runs Aug. 2–9.
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