Sanibel farmers market back with some changes
The Sanibel Island Farmers Market returns to the island this weekend with some new additions.
Marking its 11th season, the market will take place on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall from October through May. Organized by Local Roots, which is co-owned by island residents Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura, the weekly market will feature a mix of vendors and products, plus crafters.
The craft vendors are a new element, driven in part by the number of visitors to the islands.
“Everyone can’t always take food or a plant home with them on a plane,” Baer said.
She explained that by adding the crafters, it gives shoppers an opportunity to pick up an island-y memento or keepsake to bring home from vacation. Under its contract with the city, Local Roots can have up to five craft vendors. They only signed up three for the season, leaving room for options.
“We look forward to working with the local artists,” Baer said.
She explained that island artists interested in setting up a booth to showcase and sell their work can contact Local Roots for more information. They can schedule it for one Sunday or a few Sundays.
“We hope to provide a space where we can rotate them through,” Baer said.
The season-round crafters consist of Madagascar Hats, with handmade seagrass hats; Fouta, which creates handwoven Tunisian towels; and Holicow, with hand blocked tunics, blankets and more.
“We have a lady that makes clothes,” Ventura said.
The women noted that the items are of high quality with an island flair.
Another new addition this season will be prepared meals to go in regards to food options.
“I think that each farmers market we have picks up its own personality,” Ventura said.
Local Roots is organizing and operating eight markets in Lee County this year.
She explained that shoppers at the island market are made up of vacationers out exploring who may want something quick to eat, residents who live in condos and may not want to cook, and so forth.
Paper Fig Kitchen, which opened in July, will have its fresh made-in-house selections available. An Italian chef will offer choices like lasagna and eggplant parmesan, and Ma Petite Crperie will feature authentic, traditional French crepes. Three Little Birds will serve breakfast items later in the season.
After taking a hiatus from the island market for a couple seasons, one barbecue vendor is back.
“They’re going to be returning with us,” Ventura said. “We’re excited to have them back.”
Other food and drink vendors range from smoothies, tea and coffee, and sweets, to roasted nuts from Nuts 4 You, grass-fed beef and wild boar selections and macaroni and cheese by chef Jarred Harris, Spoondrift poke bowls, homemade granola by Laurie’s Pantry and mini-donuts from the Sanibel Deli.
“He’s been with us for years,” she said of the deli.
Those shopping to stock up on groceries will find organic produce, exotic fruits, cheeses, breads and bagels, fresh eggs, guacamole and salsa, jams, local honey, pickles and more, along with seafood. There will be vendors for handmade soaps and essential oils, plus flowers and plants like bromeliads.
The women noted that the market featured just 15 vendors when it first opened.
“Every year we try to introduce new vendors,” Baer said.
Starting out at the Tahitian Gardens, it relocated to City Hall seven seasons ago.
“We saw the demand and we were able to add more vendors,” she said. “But the footprint of the farmers market on Sanibel has remained the same.”
Approximately 1,000 people stop by each Sunday to shop and browse.
“We’ve definitely grown in popularity as people have gotten to know the vendors,” Baer said.
She added that the weekly market has become a sort of social meet-up.
“Because we don’t have a downtown area, it’s like a gathering place,” Baer said. “We see the same groups of people each week at the same time.”
Ventura echoed that sentiment.
“It’s just a great community event that brings visitors and residents together,” she said.
Other elements about the market that will be different this season are tied to two separate issues: the city’s ordinance banning plastic straws and presence of dogs. Like many island businesses, the market has embraced the ban, so there will be no plastic straws on-site. Only service dogs will be permitted.
“Due to enhancing the safety of the market,” Ventura said of the new pet rule.
Once again, Local Roots is partnering with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva to collect unsold boxes of vegetables, fruits and other offerings from the vendors each week to donate to the food pantry.
“We’ve had that partnership with them for many years and it is needed today more so than ever,” Ventura said, referring to the jump in assistance being sought from F.I.S.H. due to the ongoing water quality situation.
It also benefits the vendors because they can unload food that will spoil or go unused.
“It’s help them, too,” Baer said.
The women noted that the market also serves as a drop-off site for donations of non-perishable items for the pantry. They welcomed visitors to bring one item to donate every Sunday that they come.
Free parking is available at City Hall, Sanibel Public Library and BIG ARTS Strauss Theater.
“We always encourage bike riding,” Baer said. “Or walking, or ride sharing.”
Bike racks are provided on-site.
In November, the market will be held on Nov. 12 due to the Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11.
The women expressed appreciation and gratitude for the support from local businesses, organizations and residents, as well as visitors. The community is encouraged to swing by on Sundays and enjoy.
“It exposes you to food you never tried before,” Baer said. “It stimulates the local economy, which Florida needs right now.”
“And it’s fun,” Ventura added.
For more information, visit online at buylocallee.com. Local artists interested in the rotating spaces can email Baer at Jean@BuyLocalLee.com or Ventura at BetsyFVentura@gmail.com.
In January, the Captiva Island Farmers Market will return for its second season.
In addition, Local Roots is organizing a Captiva Art Show for December.
The Sanibel City Hall is at 800 Dunlop Road.