Farmers market set to return to Captiva for new season
The Captiva Island Farmers Market is returning to the island to celebrate its sixth season.
Scheduled for Dec. 19 through April, the event will take place on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chadwick’s Square at South Seas on Captiva. Organized by Local Roots — co-owned by islanders Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura, who also run the Sanibel market — it offers a mix of vendors and products.
“A lot of the residents and visitors to Captiva enjoy the Sanibel farmers market so much on Sundays and there seemed to be a desire to have their own event, so that’s what initially led us to go there,” Baer said, explaining that farmers markers are a great opportunity for bringing local communities together.
“We thought it would be really unique to bring a small market up to Captiva,” she added.
The event is free and open to everyone.
“We probably have about 25 vendors,” Baer said of the participants this year.
“We have produce, vegetables and fresh cut fruits, smoothies, crab cakes,” she added. “Baked goods, barbecue, crepes and French pastries, a line of crafts.”
Some new vendors for the season include Mediterranean Delight, which offers freshly-prepared Mediterranean foods, and That Butt Is Smokin’ — a local eatery that serves up smoked pulled pork.
A few returning favorites will include 12 Seasons Farms, Molly Malone Seafood, Pilar’s Empanadas, Angelic Desserts Bakery and Cafe, Holi Cow, The Fouta Spa, My Exotic Fruits and Jimmy’s Java.
The market also features craft vendors with handmade and handcrafted items.
“They’re unique island-flair artisans,” Baer said.
Pet owners are welcome to bring their family pooches.
“It is dog-friendly,” she said.
Vehicle parking will be located across the street in front of the convention center.
“We’ll have golf cart parking available, bicycle parking,” Baer said.
She and Ventura extended their appreciation to the resort for supporting the event.
“South Seas is excited to have us back and to begin to create some sense of normalcy on Captiva,” she said.
Residents and visitors are invited to swing by.
“It’s just a great way to spend a day,” Baer said. “To support the small businesses, have a chance to mingle with your neighbors and enjoy the open-air market experience.”
“We’re happy to be back and really hope that the community embraces this market on Captiva and helps to support these small businesses,” she added.
For more information, visit buylocallee.com.
South Seas is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva.
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IF YOU GO
What
Captiva Island Farmers Market
When
Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Dec. 19 through April)
Where
Chadwick’s Square at South Seas, 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva
Who
Local Roots
Details
Free and open to the community