Before you limit your shopping trips to the classic Dollar General, Walmart and occasionally Target, be sure to check out Upland’s weekly Farmers Market.
Every Friday, from 3–7 p.m., the town of Upland has a variety of booths set up at Upland Depot Park, 107 Railroad St. Right across the street from The Bridge Cafe, this market runs throughout the summer until Oct. 11.
The market is a colorful collection of fresh produce, home decor, baked goods, jams, honey, soaps, candles and even some fresh flowers to spruce up your home or dorm room. Underdog Salvation also has some rescue animals up for adoption. Truly a little bit of everything.
The Farmers Market is coordinated by Jenni Webb, owner of Jenuin Creations, which is featured at a booth at the market. It is a local small business whose mission is to use natural, pure ingredients in their products. They offer yoga classes, aromatherapy products and massage therapy. Shopping locally is a way to give back to the Upland community.
“My favorite part of shopping locally is supporting the community,” Jenuin Employee Tiffany Justice said.
The Farmers Market theme this year is “Bee Kind.” In order to put this theme to action, Webb mentioned that they give away a free bag or two of groceries every Friday to start spreading a ripple of kindness in the community. The market tries to inspire kindness around the town of Upland.
Cookies hang in the air all the way to Aaron Thomas's booth. He and his family have lived in Upland for the past two years and have used the market as a way to get connected to the community.
Produce sold comes straight from their farm and fresh bread straight from their oven. They also have microgreens, mint tea and the occasional supply of french macaroons.
“Not having lived here too long, I’ve been able to meet a lot of people and I enjoy being able to talk with people and seeing where they are from,” Thomas said.
These are just two of the booths. There are so many more unique stories and products right down the street. The Farmers Market opens the door to shopping locally.
“I really enjoyed the small-town atmosphere and all the family-owned businesses,” freshman Elizabeth Eckert said. “It was cool to talk to one of the local farmers. His free cookies were also delicious.”
In addition to the weekly market, there are some special events coming up. On Sept. 20, Fork n’ Fiddle, a food truck from Auburn, Ind., is coming, and on Oct. 11, The market will have some exciting opportunities to give back to the Upland community and celebrate the last market of the year.
If you are looking for a fun, wholesome Friday look no further. This is it. Bring your friends, family or just yourself and start your weekend with some fantastically fresh finds.
