Farmers Market returns in June for 13th year

A familiar June tune returns as the summer vibes of the Creston Farmers Market look to liven Mondays in McKinley Park.

The first 2025 Creston Farmers Market will open on June 2. Each farmers market will run from 4-6:30 p.m. every Monday from June through August. For those visiting McKinley Park to enjoy the summer, it’s worth a stop.

Vendors looking to be a part of this year’s market, either for a single day or for the whole season, can still sign up at any time. Rates are set at $8 for a single day or $75 for the whole season.

Those looking to sell their homemade goods can arrive the day of any specific market and sign a contract to begin selling on that day. Vendors will have to bring their own tents, tables and signs.

For those selling food products, some regulations apply. The farmers market encourages learning Iowa’s cottage food laws and to receive the proper licensing. Any questions can be directed to Aaron Vetter from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals at (515) 336-2007.

New to the market this year includes Cheyenne Burgmaier making homemade peanut butter with candy toppings and Dee Buck serving croissants in July. Spencer’s Chophouse will return as a hot food caterer, with new items such as barbecue and roasted ears of corn added to the menu.

Additionally, demonstrations from Greater Regional Health medical professionals will return as well as Lemonade Shake-Ups for a refreshing option to beat the heat. Kids activities and vendors with fresh produce and homemade goods seal the tradition for another year.

For these vendors, the farmers market is an exciting opportunity. As the manager for the Creston Farmers Market for 13 years, Alexi Groumoutis has seen the value in the chance vendors have to connect with their community.

“It might be a hobby or craft that they honed,” Groumoutis said. “This might be the one place where they can create or sell something and get feedback on what they’re growing or making.”

Whether it’s for one week or the whole season, this opportunity for vendors is a special time, even if it’s short-lived. As the farmers market lasts only from June through August, vendors have to build connections with customers, especially those who return week after week.

Building this community, alongside preserving the atmosphere of the summer tradition, is important for Groumoutis. The annual tradition gains traction even in the winter when Groumoutis receives early emails about when the market will open.

“People get really excited,” Groumoutis said. “It’s a happy place to be. You hear the music, eat the food ... It’s just a happy place to walk around in the most beautiful place in our town.”

With McKinley Park as the location, the market is a great stop for those visiting the pool and walking trail. Even if it’s just a quick stop to appreciate the atmosphere or catch a hot meal, vendors will still be happy to talk about their products.

“That’s what makes it very special,” Groumoutis said. “You can talk to the farmer how it’s grown, or the baker the recipe.”

The live music, played each week by Beards of a Feather for the 13th year in a row, will continue. As the band jams under the welcome shade of a nearby shelter, the members can change week by week in what Groumoutis called an “ebb and flow.” The band encourages musicians to join them.

The Creston Farmers Market also participates in taking SNAP benefits through the Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program. Benefits can be used at the stands with signs of the Iowa Electronic Benefit Transfer card.

The Connections Area Agency on Aging has vouchers available for seniors who reside within the 20 counties served by the agency. Seniors meeting income requirements can obtain vouchers to use at participating area farmers’ markets.