Family Fun at Farmers’ Markets

Texas Center for Local Food is an awardee of a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant. Through this opportunity, TCLF leads a cohort of 8 Farmers Markets throughout Texas and facilitates the offerings of programming family engagement activities at each market. Since the project start date of September 1, 2024, there have been 71 meaningful and FUN events throughout Texas. These events not only showcase local food but also increase the sale of agricultural products at markets. 

Take a look at some event highlights from the past year!  

Chaparral Crossing Farmers Market hosted “Bark in the Park”, a fundraising event that benefitted local pet rescue efforts. Through partnering with Rescue ATX Dogs and Austin Animal Services, the market offered pet-centric activities, a dog training demo, a pup cup station, costume contest, best trick contest, free pet photos, and raffle prizes. One way participants earned raffle tickets was by shopping with agricultural producers. Through this event, new customers (including furry friends) were introduced to the market and agricultural sales increased!

To celebrate Father's Day, Elgin Farmers' Market invited children to make their own jar of fresh dill pickles to give as a gift for Dad. Using locally grown cucumbers, garlic, dill and other seasonal ingredients sourced from market vendors, children assembled their own pickle jars while learning about fresh local produce. The activity provided a memorable Father's Day experience while showcasing the farmers who grew the ingredients.

Competition heated up at Wichita Falls Farmers' Market through their “Salsa Showdown”. This event invited salsa makers of all ages to enter their best salsa – even a local school group participated! Community Judges voted on the best batch and the crowd also voted on their favorites. During the event, kids were invited to plant tomatoes and peppers. The Salsa Showdown generated more revenue for produce vendors and brought the community together for a celebration of local flavors.  

To kickoff the school year, Waco Downtown Farmers' Market (WDFM) hosted a “Back to School Bash” with a morning of family-friendly activities. This event showed the power of local partnerships as Hoops Waco provided their basketball arcade for kids to enjoy, Waco Fire Department brought a firetruck, and various crafts and games were hosted by Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center, Art Center Waco, Basin Climbing and Master Gardeners of McLennan County.  WDFM branded rulers were distributed to help kids get ready for the classroom and families were invited to stock up with delicious local produce to start the school year off right! 

These events are just a few highlights of the impact that this project has made throughout Texas. By hosting family engagement events at farmers markets, loyal patrons and new customers are welcomed into the space while encouraging the purchase of agricultural products. Join the fun at your local farmers' market!