The Farmers’ Market in Little Rock’s downtown River Market District will celebrate the official opening of its 40th season on Saturday, May 3, 2014.
This year the Farmers’ Market will take place during normal hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Saturday beginning on May 3 and ending on October 25. This will be the first year for the Farmers’ “Night Market”, which will take place on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. The “Night Market” will run during the peak season, from May 27 to August 26.
While farmers will be set up and ready to sell by noon on Tuesdays, the new “Night Market” will feature street performers and entertainers while you shop for fresh fruits and vegetables between 3pm and 7pm. The River Market Hall will be open later hours to accommodate patrons wishing to have dinner before or after shopping at the Farmers’ Market.
To help celebrate the Farmers’ Market’s 40th season, there will be a very special 40th birthday party on opening day, May 3. We’ll have birthday cake, balloon animals and more! Throughout the season you’ll be able to sign up to win a goody basket worth forty dollars of vegetables. A basket will be given away via random drawing every Second Saturday.
“Dean The Bean” – a friendly, Arkansas-grown organic green bean will be celebrating the birthday return of Farmer’s Market on opening weekend. The 6-ft.-tall walking costumed character – complete with glasses – will welcome guests to the Market and serve as the official greeter for subsequent Farmers’ Market events.
Patronized by locals and tourists alike, the Farmers’ Market has served as a seasonal institution and local destination favorite for four decades. Filled with farmers selling farm-fresh produce straight to consumers from the backs of their trucks from early morning until mid-afternoon every April through October, patrons can find bargains on Arkansas crops as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts and crafts.
Among the list of fresh produce you’ll find: peaches, eggplant, strawberries, watermelon, beans, peas, corn, herbs, plants, greens, tomatoes, plums, berries, beets, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, squash, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, lettuce, onions, spinach, and radishes.
The Farmers’ Market makes its home in the River Market’s two outdoor, open-air pavilions overlooking Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River located at 400 President Clinton Avenue.
Can’t make it out to the Farmers’ Market? You can enjoy it in your own home with the Farmers’ Market Facebook page: Little Rock Farmers Market. We’ll be sharing recipes from our Farmers’ Market Cookbook, providing tips on how to make the best produce selections, tips on how to grow your own produce, farmer profiles and of course we’ll be keeping you informed on the very latest going on with the Little Rock Farmers’ Market.
Are you concerned about the River Market being crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays? No need to worry! Parking in our back lot off Ottenheimer for Farmers’ Market shoppers is ALWAYS free on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Parking in the River Market Parking Deck? Ask a Farmer for one of our complimentary Farmers Market parking passes.
For more information visit http://rivermarket.info or call the River Market at (501) 375-2552.
