Photos courtesy of Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce
Farmers markets keeping Pinal County’s agricultural heritage alive are booming throughout the desert, drawing neighbors and visitors together to shop for fresh produce, trade recipes, and forging stronger bonds throughout the community. Many of them continue to operate during the hot summer months, so we’re taking a look at what we have to choose from:
Florence Farmers Market
- Second and fourth Fridays of the month, 8 a.m. to noon
- McFarland State Historic Park, 24 W. Ruggles St.
This market organized by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce has been going for almost four years, attracting shoppers with locally based vendors of everything from fruits and vegetables, plants, bread, jams and honey to jewelry, metallic yard art, kitchen towels and charcuterie boards. It’s held on and around the large, shaded porch of the county’s original courthouse at McFarland State Historic Park.
They’re a great opportunity for the sellers as well as the buyers, said Sherri Butler, special events director for the Chamber. “These are home-based businesses, so it gives them an outlet and sometimes they have their kids with them and they’re learning right alongside them. It’s not just about someone who’s selling a loaf of bread, it’s so much more than that,” she said.
Currently, an average of 18 vendors set up their tables at each event and about 150-300 shoppers attend, with crowds swelling with large special events. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension regularly brings educational exhibits on topics such as diet and exercise or gardening tips with plants to take home, and many other seasonal activities are offered.
The future is looking bright too, she added: “We’re getting some local growers that are coming about that have moved to Florence recently. I do have more people interested in planning and growing for the market, which is exciting.”
MORE SUMMER MARKETS
Casa Grande Farmers Market
- Third Saturday of the month,
7 to 10 a.m. (summer hours) - First Presbyterian Church, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane
- $15 per basket of “rescued” produce trucked in from farmers, variety of vendors
- cgfarmersmarket.wixsite.com/cgfarmersmarket
Superior Farm-to-Fantastic Farmers Market
- On monthly schedule for summer, check Facebook page for details
- Besich Park Food Court, 240 W. Main St.
- $15 per box of produce, varied venues
