Farmer’s Market returns to Club Square
Cape Coral Farmer’s Market returns to Club Square on Saturday for its 23rd year as the county’s largest and most popular market.
This year’s market runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 1 through May 13 in downtown Cape Coral on Southeast 10th Place between Southeast 47th Terrace and Southeast 46th Lane. The market started out in the 1990s at Big John’s Plaza, but moved to Club Square in the early 2000s about the time the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce took over running the market.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to all those fresh and local fruits and vegetables and the other items,” said Claudia St. Onge, market coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce. “I anticipate topping out at 140 vendors this year, which makes it one of the largest markets in Florida and definitely one of the most popular.”
For the next seven months, the market is the hot spot destination for the area’s finest and freshest food, fruits, vegetables, jams and jellies, breads, homemade baked goods, crafts and assortment of specialty vendors. The market also offers spaces for non-profits and community groups to display their programs and benefits.
The Farmer’s Market has become known for its certified organic and locally produced greens, sprouts, cheeses, native plants and trees, Gulf-fresh seafood, pickles, olive mixes, pet treats and made-on-site guacamole and salsas.
For the second year, visitors can join in a free yoga class from 8-9 a.m. or tai chi from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
“For a number of years now ours is the only market in Lee County to accept EBT and SNAP card transactions,” said St. Onge. “This your we are adding the Fresh Access Bucks program of the Florida Organic Growers, who got a grant that doubles EBVT/SNAP benefits up to $20 on fruits and vegetables. It’s a wonderful program and the only one in Lee County, so we’re excited about it.”
While shopping, market-goers are entertained by live music on two stages every week and if they get hungry they can amble on over to the food truck court, which was very successful in its first season last year. There also is an assortment of fresh donuts, pizza barbecue, soup and smoothies.
“It’s a fun and happy place to go if you are up early on a Saturday morning,” said Onge. “It’s a family friendly place and pet friendly, too, for friendly pets.”
The Farmer’s Market has grown to become three markets that makes the fresh items available year-round. The Sunset Market at the Shops at Surfside (2-7 p.m. Tuesdays) is in its seventh year while the Farmer’s Market at Cape Harbour (9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays) opens when the downtown market closes and closes the week before Club Square opens.
“The market is a labor of love for me,” said St. Onge. “I enjoy seeing the sun come up at Club Square and seeing the sun go down at the Surfside market.”
For more information call St. Onge at 239-549-6900 (ext. 101) or visit www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com.