Menard County Farmers Market

So…  I moved back to Athens – my home town area.  Anyone who has followed my farm journey know this.  Since moving here, I’ve been able to reconnect with folks I haven’t talked to in over 35 years; one being our current Mayor.  Some time in early April (I think, time is a blur), he reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in getting a farmers market going in Athens.  Of course – I said yes.  I started working on the details of a vendor agreement and planning what our market would be.  Small town or not – I wanted to make sure we followed all the “rules” as it relates  to running our market.  I also needed to make sure the city wouldn’t face any significant risks from our little market.  So…  all that was done and I began soliciting vendors for our market.  I have found this to NOT be an easy task….  But I carry on.

We’re the only one in Menard County.   We are open on Wednesdays – which, in true mean mother nature style – she’s ensured we’ve had icky weather all three Wednesdays the market has been open.  Grrrr!  But, our Mayor is AWESOME!  When we asked about being inside city hall vs outside in the park – he immediately said yes.  So…  not only do we have the only Farmers Market in Menard county – we have an INDOOR market. Which means vendors and customers get to stay comfortable and dry no matter what mother nature throw at us! 

So…  why does this matter to Thompson Family Farm?  Let me just say it matters more than anyone will probably ever realize.  I love all the other markets I sell at – but the Athens Farmers Market is home.  This market truly gives me a chance to see my neighbors and get to know people in MY community better than any other place I sell.  The support of this community has been overwhelming.  Three Wednesdays in a row – this community has come out in support of my farm and all the other vendors who put their trust in this market.  This market makes me proud… proud of where I live and proud to be a part of this amazing community.  And because of all this – I will continue to work on getting more vendors to the market, so it can be a one-stop shop for our community. 

My small family farm appreciates the support of the vendors and customers who support our market.  Thank you!