Southern Indiana Living MayJune 2017

Special Section: Summer Fun
Farmers markets
of Southern Indiana
Story by Sara Combs
Photos of the Fred Cammack Corydon Farmers Market by Lorraine Hughes (pages 31, 35)
Lush red tomatoes, crisp green
beans and vibrant yellow ears
of corn are images that pop into
one’s head at the thought of farmers
markets. Along with cabbage, lettuce,
potatoes and other fresh garden vegetables,
these are the heart of markets. Access
to a bountiful supply of fresh vegetables
and fruits through multiple farmers markets
is one of the perks of living in Southern
Indiana.
Offerings also include eggs, homebaked
items, jams and jellies, crafts and
other goods such as candles and soap. Locally
grown meat is available at some sites.
Most markets have plants and herbs. And
to sweeten it all, one can find sorghum,
syrup and honey.
Farmers markets are not just about
commerce ― they provide a gathering
place and promote a sense of community.
“People vend for a variety of reasons,”
says Kim Arnold, of Orange County
HomeGrown Community service, who
oversees the Orleans market. “Some come
to supplement their income. Others come
because it is their income. And some just
Farmers markets are not just
about commerce - they provide
a gathering place and promote
a sense of community.
come for the fellowship.”
The Orleans market is the 10th largest
in the United States, with 90 to 150
vendors, and is in its 15th year. “The
vendors don’t all come at once,” Arnold
says. “Some just come when their special
product is in season; some come for all 24
weeks. We have become somewhat of a
family. We know about each others’ marriages,
births, divorces, operations.”
Another large market is in New Albany.
With 80-plus vendors taking part in
2016, market coordinator Susan Kaempfer
is pleased with its growth. “When I
came in 2004 there were three members,”
she says. “The market had been here for
100 years or so, but the numbers were really
down.” Now it runs year-round with
room for 30 to 35 vendors under cover and
ample space for the others on the street.
The Fred Cammack Corydon Farmers
Market is operating in a newly constructed
facility along the creek in its historic
downtown, says Catherine Turcotte,
of Main Street Corydon. “We have around
32 vendors, with 75 percent offering fruit
and vegetables and 25 percent crafts.”
May/June 2017 • 33