BLOOMINGTON – A local springtime tradition returns this weekend as the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market (BCFM) opens for its 52nd season on Saturday, April 4.
As a cornerstone of the region’s food culture, the market serves as a weekly bridge between local producers and the community. While the season is just beginning, organizers promise a “thoughtful preview” of the harvest to come, featuring fresh greens, eggs, meats, cheeses, honey, and early spring blooms.
The market runs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at its traditional location. Visitors can expect an evolving experience as new vendors join each week and selections expand with the warming weather.
Beyond raw produce, the market features a variety of food and beverage artisans offering:
- Freshly baked breads and pastries
- Handcrafted drinks
- Savory prepared dishes
- Garden-ready plants to jumpstart home landscapes
Community Outreach & Nutrition Programs
The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market continues its commitment to food accessibility by supporting several nutrition assistance programs. These initiatives provide fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs to those with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. Participating programs include:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Senior FMNP (Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program)
Mayor’s Team at the Table
Additionally, the “Mayor’s Team at the Table” outreach program returns this Saturday. Residents are invited to engage with city leadership.
Parks and Recreation Director Tim Street will be available to greet the public and answer questions from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
Music at the Market
Providing the soundtrack for the season opener are “The Wilsons.” Performing on the FM Circular Stage at 8:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Ken and Debbie Wilson bring over forty years of musical experience to the market. Their performance features vocals, harmonicas, keyboards, and both 6 and 12-string guitars, covering a repertoire of classical and contemporary acoustic music from the 1960s to today.
Parking Advisory
To ensure accessibility for all patrons and avoid a ticket, the City reminds visitors that parking along the curb of Morton Street is strictly limited. Only the six designated accessible parking spaces—marked clearly with signage and cones—are permitted for curb-side parking.
All other visitors are encouraged to use nearby garages or surface lots.
