The Dane County Farmers Market is ready to return to the Capitol Square. As the largest producer only farmers market in America, it will be celebrating its 52nd year on the square.
“The Dane County Farmers Market was founded in September of 1972 with just five farmers set up on the Capitol Square,” says Jamie Bugel, Market Manager for the Dane County Farmers Market. “Now, with over 250 producers, it has grown to be a tradition in Madison.”
The Dane County Farmers Market returns to the Capitol Square Saturday, April 13 starting at 6:15 a.m. Bugel says vendors will be there until about 1:45 p.m. However, if you’ve got something specific you’re shopping for – get there early, while supplies are available.
This year, the State Street corner of the Capitol Square – West Mifflin Street and North Carroll Street – will be closed to vehicle traffic each Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. until the end of the market at 1:45 p.m. Customers who use vehicles to pick up large orders from that corner of the Square can do so before 8AM. They can also arrange an alternative pick up site with the farmer.
Through early May, East Mifflin Street will also be closed to vehicle traffic. This is due to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station construction. BRT station construction on West Main Street will also impact traffic, with only one lane available.
The Wednesday market will begin on April 24. It happens from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Bugle adds, “We have a little over 200 vendors this year. You can expect that great variety that the Dane County Farmers Market has always had. We have a ton of vegetables and fruit, new meat vendors this year, as well as baked goods, cheese, and unique and value added products.”
For more information go to the Dane County Farmers Market website.