A Midland non-profit farmers market is looking to finish its spring and summer period strong, before heading into its winter season.
Samantha Borgstedt, the marketing director for the Midland Downtown Farmers Market (MDFM), said that the group’s objective is to cultivate a sense of belonging among businesses, artisans, and producers.
“Our goal is to not only offer an outlet for these products but to also bring the community together for an event that celebrates our local diversity and choice,” Borgstedt told the Midland Times.
MDFM is open on the lawn of the Museum of the Southwest (1705 W. Missouri Ave.) from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays April through October. November through March it's open every other Saturday.
“All vendors make, create, or raise what they sell, and all are your neighbors,” Borgstedt said. “We offer a variety of goods and services including, but not limited to, sustainably grown produce, local honey, locally raised meats, handmade body care products, baked goods, handmade jewelry, all-natural doggy treats, hand-knitted products, pickled and canned products, fair trade organic coffee and so much more.”
She added that approximately 70 vendors bring the best local flavors to the Permian Basin on Saturday mornings.
“We are a Texas-certified farmers market, which means that all items available at the market must be made, grown, or produced in Texas,” she said.
MDFM does not allow the resale of items, everything must be made, grown, or produced by the person bringing them.
The market has doubled in size since 2019, a dynamic Borgstedt attributed to the downtime brought on by the COVID pandemic and people having more time on their hands to perfect and market their hobbies.
“Customers were ready to get outside and shop somewhere that was clean and safe, and they were more aware of the positive impact of local shopping,” she said. “Our vendors are professional, and our venue is family-friendly and beautiful. Combined with great leadership from our board and market directors, it makes for a successful and one of Texas' best farmers' markets.”
Interested vendors who want a stall to sell their products can visit the group’s website and fill out a vendor application form, along with pictures of their items. Those who want to sell food must provide a copy of their food handlers certificate and an example of packaging labeling.