Start your summer at the Clear Lake Farmers Market!
Now that all the schools throughout the North Iowa area have wrapped to a close, join us this weekend at the Clear Lake Farmers Market on June 1st, 2024 from 9:00 AM to NOON in the parking lot of the Surf Ballroom & Museum. What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer vacation than by exploring a vibrant farmers market community. When you visit, you’ll find a variety of local produce, artisan breads (that’s us!), cheese, 3D-printed dragons, coffee, smoothies, and more will be available from 50+ vendors, along with live music and kids activities!
Here’s what we’re bringing*:
Breads
- Garlic Herb focaccia (flatbread)
- Jalapeño Cheddar focaccia (flatbread) AWESOME WITH GRILLED MEATS!
- Sourdough baguette
- Sourdough sandwich loaf
- Sourdough batard (more traditional shape)
- Cinnamon Swirl
- Cinnamon Raisin Swirl
- Banana
- Banana Nut
- Cranberry Wild Rice BEST TURKEY SANDWICHES!
- 9 Grain
Scones
- Blueberry Peach
- Chocolate Cherry
- Apricot Ginger
- Cranberry Almond LIMITED TIME!
Pies
Jams
- Strawberry Rhubarb
- Strawberry Jalapeño
- Cherry Berry
- Raspberry Rhubarb
- Raspberry Jalapeño
- Jalapeño Pepper ALMOST GONE!
- Spiced Peach
- Peach Mango
- Tomato
- Wild Plum
- Mixed Fruit jelly
Additional Food Items
- Cinnamon Roll – 2 Pack
- Cinnamon Roll – 4 Pack
- Caramel Pecan Roll – 2 Pack
- Caramel Pecan Roll – 4 Pack
- Apple Butter
- Marinara sauce NEW!
- Roasted Corn Salsa
- Pickled Banana Peppers
- Spicy Cowboy Candy (candied, pickled jalapeño slices)
NEW!SOLD OUT! - Italian seasoning blend
- 100% Pure Maple Syrup – 8oz
- 100% Pure Maple Syrup – 12oz
*List subject to change
This list only states what we know we’re bringing for sure (we say “for sure” with the assumption that nothing crazy will happen, like a derecho, zombie apocalypse, or melting in the sky’s deadly laser 🤪). While writing this, we’re pretty sure this is everything we’re bringing. If you have any specific requests, call us! Our number is on our ‘Contact’ page.
May the odds be ever in your favor
It’s the third week of markets, and we’re getting back into the groove of summer farmers markets. As one of the totally rad people who visits us in Clear Lake, we want to remind you that if you’re looking for something specific, it’s best to come during the first hour (between 9-10AM). The first farmers markets have been awesomely well attended, and we even sold out of our Cowboy Candy in the first week! We’re reminding you of this because we can’t guarantee that we’ll have everything on your shopping list, but your odds will be better the earlier you come. Which leads me to say:
Clear Lake can be a busy farmers market in the summer
We know not everyone likes navigating through a crowded farmers market. So, if you prefer a more laid back atmosphere, we suggest coming in the second half of the market (10:30 AM-noon). Walking in closer to 10:30 will mean a few more people (but not the big rush), and vendors will still have a good variety of items to choose from. If lots of other people wandering through the market is more than you want to deal with, you’ll want to come between 11- 11:45 AM.
Don’t come too late
After 11 AM, the farmers market has its largest decline in foot traffic because everyone who wanted something specific has gone. Coming later also means you may get to enjoy the serendipity of finding that perfect item that’s been waiting for you to claim it. However, don’t come too late! If you come in during the last few minutes of market, you’ll likely run out of time to see everything. One solution to this is to let us know you’d like to reserve an item. If you know you want something, but won’t be at the market until closer to noon, call us! Our number is on our ‘Contact’ page.
Remember, we’ve moved!
More people found us at the market last week for the first time! It’s so fun seeing everyone who visits Clear Lake during the warm months. I’ll probably make this reminder all summer long: we’re in a new spot at the farmers market. Traditionally, our booth has been next to the sidewalk and near the music (the north-east side) -we won’t be in that spot anymore! Instead, you’ll find us on the other end of the market, at the far side, away from the music (the south side). If you need a map to visualize and see this change, there’s one linked at the end of this post. Note: Only our booth within the market is moving- the Clear Lake Farmers Market is still in the Surf Ballroom parking lot.
The beginning of June means the farmers market is gearing up
June definitely throws us into the summer months, and signals that farmers markets are back in season. It’s the exciting time of the year were we can say “Yes, the markets are happening! See ya Saturday!” We’ve missed visiting with you, and we’re eagerly awaiting seeing all our summery friends at the far side of the market, close to the Surf Ballroom building. We’re in this new spot within the layout of the market, but we’re still providing the delicious-food-providing farmers market you know and love. And, as long as you keep coming, we’ll keep bringing all the good stuff! So, we’ll see you Saturday, right?!😄
Join us this summer at the farmers market!
We’re so excited that summer farmers markets are here, and we hope you’ll join us this Saturday. We’ll be in the Surf Ballroom parking lot from 9 AM until noon. The mission of Clear Lake Farmers Market is to offer healthy, fresh produce and hand crafted products to consumers while building community connections and supporting the local economy. Set a reminder on your phone, and we’ll see you there!
As promised, here’s the link for the interactive map so you can find all your favorite vendors at the market this year: http://www.clearlakefarmersmarket.com/for-customers/ We know you’ll find your way around, and we can’t wait to see you Saturday!
I appreciate the real-life examples.
This is such a valuable resource. I’ve learned so much from this post, and I appreciate the practical advice you’ve shared.