Ames Full of Farmers' Markets

Those looking for locally grown produce, Missouri peaches or wine from Iowa grapes can find all of these things and more at one of Ames' three farmers' markets.

The hours and dates vary but all run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Each week Ames Patch will introduce you to one of the markets' vendors. Dick DeMoss who leads the North Grand Farmers' Market at the North Grand Mall will be featured Saturday.

DeMoss, secretary and treasurer of the Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association created the North Grand Farmers' Market, and developed its bylaws which have been replicated throughout the state, he said. Market hours are 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through the end of October. In order to participate, vendors must represent their own products and live in Story County or one of its six surrounding counties. Items include fresh vegetables, baked goods, pastas and other locally made items.

The Ames Farmers' Market at the Depot runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at 526 Main Street.

The most unique thing about this market might be that it's at the historic depot site. Vendors can be found inside and outside selling a variety of chicken, produce, beef, pork, baked goods, jams and jellies.

“The vendors over there are good comrades and get a long. Everyone goes home empty and everyone goes home happy,” said Norine Black, the market's director.

Most vendors come with goods by the trailer load, she said. One vendor brought a load of peaches from Missouri.

“They traded sweetcorn for peaches. We have great sweetcorn and they have great peaches,” Black said.

Finally, the Ames Main Street Farmer's Market sets up on the 400 block of Main Street from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 24. This is the market's first year and it's been such a success that the Main Street Farmer's Market will run from May to October in 2012, said Tom Drenthe, Events Coordinator and Farmers Market Manager for the Main Street Cultural District.

Main Street Cultural District and the Ames Chamber of Commerce joined forces to put on the market for the first time this summer to bring another dynamic activity to Main Street, Drenthe said. This market is also where one will find a Kids Zone for children and live music at Tom Evans Plaza. Street musicians also perform on Main Street. All products at this market must be Iowa grown. Drenthe said about 1,200 to 2,000 people come through the market each Saturday.