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Jan 22, 2024

Your guide to Johnson County’s six farmers markets

The Bargersville Farmers Market has a full house on opening night Wednesday.

The Bargersville Farmers Market has a full house on opening night Wednesday.

Ashlyn Myers | Daily Journal

Each of Johnson County's six farmers markets have kicked off. They offer different handmade items and homegrown goods, while some offer entertainment from local artists, food trucks and more.

There is a bounty of farmers markets in Johnson County and most are offered on different days, so people can shop around. Markets are found in Greenwood, Whiteland, Franklin, Trafalgar, Edinburgh and Bargersville, with each offering a unique experience.

Looking for produce? Allen Davidson of the Greenwood Farmers Market said they have the best around.

Davidson, a tomato farmer, said he has sold over 50 kinds of tomatoes —- the type ‘can't find at any old grocery store.’ He also says the other produce vendors offer unique fruits and vegetables. For example, Davidson said some of the sweet corn vendors are so popular that they bring lines of over 50 people.

He said this loyalty toward vendors makes sense, though, because people would much rather support a local business for their groceries than a larger corporation.

"A big thing is that you get to talk to the person who produces the product, whether they’re growing it in their garden or baking it in their kitchen," Davidson said. "You get to talk to the person who made the product you’re enjoying."

Carolyn Williams with the Franklin Farmers Market said their market offers a great variety of goods, from meats to mini pancakes.

The Franklin Farmers Market hosts various food trucks and works with the Franklin Symphonic Council to offer two kinds of music every Saturday, with one local artist on each side of the market.

This year people can participate in outdoor group workouts like pilates and Zumba on the amphitheater lawn on market days from 8 to 9 a.m. Williams said the splash pad is also a great resource for parents and kids, especially under the hot sun.

"What I hear from people is we just have such a nice varied market. It's all stretched out and there's so much room," Williams said. "Everyone is so friendly, and we’re dog and kid-friendly."

"It's like a big Saturday party."

Stephanie Fernandez smiles with her homemade beauty products at Bargersville Farmers Market on Wednesday.

Ashlyn Myers | Daily Journal

The Retro Brothers strum their guitars and fille the main strip of the Bargersville Farmers Market with music Wednesday.

Ashlyn Myers | Daily Journal

The Bargersville Farmers Market has a full house on opening night Wednesday.

Ashlyn Myers | Daily Journal

Bargersville Farmers Market brings vendors with treats for the whole family during their regular Wednesday evening market, plus two special Saturday events to be held at Mallow Run Winery. Bargersville's market also offers live music.

On opening night Wednesday, there were vendors offering different goods for a barbeque, from jowl bacon to even pizza-flavored brats, plus handmade soaps, homemade dog treats and more.

The Edinburgh Farmers Market is entering its fourth year in Johnson County and offers local goods and a selection of food trucks. A nearby shelter house gives families a place to enjoy dinner in the midst of shopping.

SaraBeth Drybread, one of the market's organizers, said she personally likes the local honey and soap vendors, offering a healthier alternative to what you may find at the store.

She said the most unique thing about their market is that they encourage their vendors to sign up for multiple markets, since Edinburgh's is held on a weekday.

Buying at the market means supporting small businesses and getting fresher, more natural products, she said.

"This is their livelihood," Drybread said. "This is their passion, and it's healthier than other products."

Trafalgar Farmers Market has been through quite a few changes over the last year, organizers said. After trying out different locations last year, the market has found its 2023 home at Keller Williams Realty in Trafalgar. Jennifer Stauffer, one of the main coordinators of the event, said the market already has 20 approved vendors, with more applications flooding in all the time.

Her favorite part of the market is giving Trafalgar residents a chance to taste new foods.

"I wouldn't consider Trafalgar a food oasis. We don't have anything like [these vendors] in our community," Stauffer said. "It (also) gives us a chance for our community to support our local farmers."

Trafalgar's market has attracted some unique vendors. Stauffer said visitors can find things like hair extensions, handmade jewelry, wooden keepsakes, custom t-shirts and local honey.

Town residents make the market a success, she said.

"Our town may be small, but it has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen," Stauffer said. "Everything is made with love … it's just a different feeling here."

In Whiteland, shoppers can find a small but diverse group of vendors. Located at the town hall, eventgoers have the opportunity to taste freeze-dried candies or eat hand pies. Those interested in plants can buy their own terrarium, all while sipping on an ice-cold lemonade from LJ's Snack Shack.

A representative from the market said last year, for the market's first year back, they tried to start big and offer multiple food trucks and a karaoke opportunity. However, leaders thought the focus should be brought back to vendors this year.

"The most important thing is honestly the homemade or homegrown items that people are selling," they said.

The market's representative shared they may consider bringing back karaoke and food trucks, but they’re focused on the success of their vendors first.

Local farmers market schedule

Bargersville Farmers Market

Hours: Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.; July 16 and Aug. 13 only: 12 to 4 p.m.

Address: Bargersville Town Hall, 24 N. Main St., Bargersville; July 16 and Aug. 13 only: Mallow Run Winery, 6964 Whiteland Road, Bargersville

Edinburgh Farmers Market

Hours: Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Address: John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St., Edinburgh

Franklin Farmers Market

Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Address: 237 W. Monroe St., Franklin

Greenwood Farmers Market

Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Address: Greenwood United Methodist Church parking lot, 525 N. Madison Avenue, Greenwood

Trafalgar Farmers Market

Hours: Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Address: 108 N. State Road 135, Trafalgar

Whiteland Farmers Market

Hours: Fridays from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Address: Whiteland Town Hall, 549 E. Main St., Whiteland