Downtown Bradenton’s Farmers’ Market Returns to Old Main Street Oct. 6, 2018

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market returns to downtown Bradenton on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and continues every Saturday through May 25, 2019. The Market takes place on Old Main Street (12th Street West), between Manatee Avenue West and Third Avenue West in downtown Bradenton. Parking is free and dogs on leashes are always welcome. “The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is a true seasonal market that mirrors the Florida growing period. The end of summer ushers in opening day at the market, which is always anticipated by our vendors and patrons,” said Peg Haynes, Market Manager. “We have built a welcoming community at the market that has something for everyone.

You will find local produce, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, hands-on activities for families, and more.”

Over 30 vendors will line Old Main Street every Saturday at the market, selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisan food products, and handmade crafts under the shade of the historic buildings and trees.

“In keeping with our mission to improve quality of life, we continue to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT cards. We are also members of the Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) network, which provides free Florida-grown produce to SNAP recipients by matching SNAP/EBT purchases, up to $40,” Haynes explained. The FAB program is being administered by Feeding Florida, Florida’s Food Bank Network.

Opening day activities include Chef at the Market with Chef Dana Johnson, owner of Sugar Cubed Pastry Lab, and Keith Nasewicz and Ben Greene, owners of Oscura Cafe & Bar. The trio are part of the new booming culinary scene on 13th Street West. Sugar Cubed Pastry Lab relocated from the Village of the Arts to the block last December, and Oscura Café & Bar recently opened across the street this September. The chefs will prepare a dish to sample at 10 a.m. on the corner of Old Main Street and 4th Avenue West. Demonstrations by local chefs are scheduled for every Saturday.

“I’m thrilled to see the many new businesses flocking to 13th Street West and equally excited to partner with Keith and Ben, who serve Sugar Cubed breads and pastries in Oscura Café & Bar,” said Johnson.

Opening day is host to other happenings at the market, including booths by Connect Bradenton, promoting their flexible co-work space in downtown Bradenton; Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START) will have an interactive children’s exhibit on preserving our coastal waters; and Florida Blue will have valuable information about the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

There are many special seasonal events planned and an array of ongoing, family-friendly activities that rotate on a weekly schedule.

Ongoing Activities

Mainly Art: Dozens of local artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their creations. Art, crafts, and live music, are available from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., on 4th Avenue West where it connects with the Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Old Main Street, every third Saturday of each month until the end of May 2019.

SaraBay Suncoast Realty’s Kids Zone: Fun arts and crafts activities on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Master Gardeners from the Manatee County Extension Office: The first Saturday of the month, beginning in November.

Florida Department of Health in Manatee County: Healthy lifestyle activities on the second Saturday of the month.

Manatee County Family Nutrition Program’s SNAP-Ed: Joining the market on the third Saturday of each month, with food demonstrations, tastings and more, using a rainbow of fresh foods.

Central Manatee Library’s Creative Learning Stations: The third Saturday of the month.

Kids in the Kitchen with the Junior League of Manatee County on the fourth Saturday of each month, beginning in November.

Upcoming Special Events

Howl’ween Pet Parade on Oct. 27: Watch as lines of pooches strut down Old Main Street in Halloween costumes with their owners. Owners are encouraged to dress up too! There will be a special prize for best owner and pet costumes. Signup is 10 a.m.; pet parade at 10:30 a.m.; judging at 11 a.m.

Farm City Week on Nov. 10: A celebration of farming in Manatee County, featuring the citrus industry, then and now. Kids from the Manatee County 4H Youth Council and Future Farmers of America are participating in this kickoff event for Farm City Week, Nov. 10–Nov. 17.

For more information, vendor listings, and schedule of ongoing activities at the Bradenton Farmers’ Market, visit their FB page here. Prospective vendors may apply by completing an online application form.

About the Bradenton Farmers’ Market

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market, a production of Realize Bradenton, features more than 30 vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Live music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities are also part of the fun. The market, located on Old Main Street, between Manatee Ave. W. and Third Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, is open every Saturday through the end of May, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Parking is free and dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit   their FB page.

About Realize Bradenton

Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that promotes redevelopment and economic growth in downtown Bradenton by transforming places, engaging people, and realizing possibilities. For more information, visit: their FB page here.

Photos courtesy of Bradenton Farmer’s Market.