Every Saturday morning from May to October downtown La Porte becomes a bustling market of shoppers searching for the best banana bread or the sweetest jar of fruit preserves. La Porte’s Farmer’s Market was just that on the morning of Saturday, June 22nd.
On the corner of Lincolnway and Monroe, vendors’ booths packed the square, all with something unique to offer. Local farmers and artisans sold fresh produce, herbs, cheese meat, baked goods, and homemade goodies. It was all a delight to the senses.
Pam Sweet, who sells tasty homemade baked goods with her daughter Abbey Sweet, said, “We have been doing this for four years. We usually prepare everything-breads, cookies, brownies, jellies, jams, and pies. Our last name is Sweet, and we love to bake. We can’t eat as much as we like to bake, so we come here.”
The Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the City of La Porte’s Urban Enterprise Association. The program was started after popular demand from locals. Everything at the market is fresh, local, and delicious to boot.
Kip Dugan, five-year Farmer’s Market manager said, “This is a non-profit run off grants. We have over twenty vendors signed up for the season, and it varies week to week. This is a chance for the local people to come out and sell their goods.”
On this particular Saturday, the La Porte Jaycee’s joined in and held an Arts & Crafts Show complete with demonstrations and locally made goods. Multiple artisans crowded the parking lot to sell homemade jewelry, shirts, artwork, and more. Jaycee’s also brought in a bounce house and kids’ games for the day. This event is the start of the Jaycee’s Fourth of July Celebration.
Jaycee’s member Jay Zigler explained, “This is the kick-off to our Fourth of July celebration. It is our first event leading up to the parade and the fireworks.”
The La Porte Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday from 8-12 until the end of October. Spend a Saturday morning shopping and support your local farmers and bakers.