The Dane County Farmers’ Market is the largest producer-only, year-round farmer’s market in Madison, Wisconsin. We sat down with Hannah Menzel, Market Assistant, of Dane County Farmers’ Market to chat about the significance and history of the farmers’ market, which is held on the Capitol Square on Saturdays (April to November), on MLK Jr. Blvd. on Wednesdays (April to November), at Monona Terrace (November to December), and at Garver Feed Mill (January to April).
The Dane County Farmers’ Market originally started in 1972, and it was an idea brought together by the Dane County Extension Office, the Central Madison Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. Also, a local farmer named Jonathan Berry, who became the market’s first manager. They all came together and were inspired by the European markets. They wanted to bring together the rural Wisconsin communities and the urban culture that you see here in Madison. It started out as a very small market grew into what it is today. It started off with only a few vendors and now we have over 200 members.
Now, it is held at the State Capitol grounds every Saturday, and only Wisconsin-grown products are sold. In addition to the Saturday market on the Square we have a Wednesday market that runs in the summer, as well as our Holiday markets at Monona Terrace and our Late Winter Market that is at Garver Feed Mill.
It’s such a unique place. It’s one of the top destinations that people visit when they come in from out of town. One of our main goals are to provide unique opportunities for the growers, the farmers, and the producers to sell their products to such a large audience, and then to promote the sale of locally grown agricultural products. Also, fostering the social gathering and interaction between the farmers and the people who are purchasing the products.
When you go to the market, since we are producer-only, when you purchase something from any of the stands, you’re purchasing it from someone who played a role in creating that product, whether it was growing at baking it or making it. That’s how it started out and that’s how it’s been for 50 years. That’s what really makes us stand out from other markets, not even just in the Madison area, but also nationwide.
The markets are incredibly diverse – a treasure trove of incredible products and incredible vendors. For example, last weekend at the Late Winter Market, one vendor was selling limes! I don’t know where else you’d be able to purchase locally grown limes in the Midwest right now, but he’s able to because he has a greenhouse. You’ll never find that in the grocery store. There are just unique products, every vendor is unique and has their own, specific niche.
It is such a unique experience to have the Capitol Square transformed into a food destination, so people from out of town, it’s always on their list to come to the market because it’s a great way to spend the day with friends and family. Or if you have people visiting from out of town, it’s a great way to show them what Madison is all about. And then I would also say like for local shoppers, it’s just incredible that we’re year-round because they can do their weekly shopping at our markets all year-round.
Whether you are making a visit from the Quad Cities, doing a day trip, or enjoying a staycation, Best Western Premier Park Hotel is here for you. As the only hotel located in Capitol Square, accessibility to the Dane County Farmers’ Market is convenient and easy. Indulge in a suite stay at Best Western Premier Park Hotel, which has all the amenities you need to relax after a day of exploring. Book your stay at Best Western Premier Park Hotel today.