The Beloit Farmers Market

By KIMBERLY PILON

I visited the Beloit Farmers Market this week, a first-time visitor to the winter market, and I was thoroughly impressed. The variety really surprised me, and although I remember some vendors from the fall, there were a few new ones that had exciting items on their tables. Hot chocolate was being served right inside the door for any chilly visitors. Many students may be able to drive, but those who don’t shouldn’t feel discouraged from a trip downtown.

At every vendor show, there are a few staples, including jewelry, bread, and other types of food. Beloit Farmers Market is no different, with a food truck outside, and multiple jewelry vendors, as well as sourdough bread, sticky buns, smoked garlic, and hot sauces. This is only a fraction of the food options, with granola, salsa, cheddar crackers, pickles, cabbage, whole wheat flour, and even freeze-dried taffy. As I was walking around, many people were very friendly, greeting me and talking about their products when I inquired. I had a great conversation with a vendor that sells soap, lotion, bath bombs, and laundry powder, made of goat milk from their family goats. All the vendors are eagerly waiting to have a conversation about their goods and how it is produced, and they were very honest with us about their process. There were also many non-food options, such as bookmarks, purses, books, magnets, 3D-printed animals and figurines, and wooden containers. Multiple vendors had sample options, providing the convenience of testing their product before purchasing, and they were all very kind and open about it. One of those vendors is someone who is involved year-round, and he offered us honey sticks but was also selling honey jars, and infused maple syrup. 

I have heard older students on campus complain that no one is ever there, that when they are in the building they feel all eyes are on them, but it did not seem to be the case this past weekend. There were a handful of community members walking in as we were arriving, and a few more inside already. As we spent time walking around, people filled out and continued on their Saturday, but my friends and I never felt pressured or uncomfortable. We had multiple conversations walking around the building with different people, and they were very cordial. 

Beloit Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., downtown on Grand Avenue. It is a quick ten to fifteen-minute walk from campus, and especially as the weather continues to improve, it is an easy way to have fun and get some fresh air on Saturday morning! 

_{Featured Image: Kimberly Pilon}