The 14th season of the Drake Neighborhood Farmers’ Market will begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2.
The market will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 29 in the parking lot of First Christian Church, 2500 University Ave. Free parking is available for shoppers across from the market on the east side of 25th Street.
Opening Day activities include a “Blessing of the Market” ceremony and guest appearances by local musicians Jerry and Jim.
In addition, the market will feature the Veggie Toss Game for kids and free dairy treats from Anderson Erickson.
More than 20 vendors will have Iowa-grown produce, baked goods, snacks, meals, sandwiches, and crafts for sale. Some vendors have wireless equipment that accepts bank debit cards, VISA, Discover, and MasterCard credit cards and Electronic Benefit Transfer cards.
Eight vendors welcome Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition checks and IFMNP/WIC checks/vouchers.
Entertainment will be provided weekly, as well as educational and informational sessions. The market also has a health tent, where free blood pressure and blood sugar tests will be available every week.
Drake University has been a friend of the market since 1997, helping by posting signs at the corners of 31st and University and 25th and Carpenter. Last year, Drake’s School of Education gave away 375 books to children at the market, and members from Drake’s Department of Chemistry gave an interactive chemistry demonstration for children.
The market is a nonprofit, community project sponsored by First Christian Church, the Drake Neighborhood Association and Drake University. For more information, call Ginny Gieseke at 515-277-6951 or visit the Web site at www.DrakeFarmersMarket.com.