Omaha Farmers Market draws large crowds
By Connie Seastedt
Where else can you go to get fresh vegetables, bread, pies, eggs and even enchiladas to name a few? The downtown Omaha Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday from May 2 to October 10 and continues to grow; bringing in large crowds to the Old Market every weekend.
For Riverfront Place residents Bob and Mary Kay Gerken, it’s that sense of belonging they feel each Saturday while walking through the numerous booths of fresh food and other items.“It’s our neighborhood,” said Mary Kay, “We feel like we belong here.”The Gerken’s came down Saturday, May 23 partly because of the weather, but also to enjoy the pleasant five minute bike ride from Riverfront Place, although they were disappointed to see a lack of bike racks downtown.“It’s truly an attraction,” said Bob, referring to the Farmers Market, “It’s just as much about the people watching.” Bob also noted they have enjoyed their location at Riverfront overlooking the pedestrian bridge, which has given them another spot for watching the people walking or riding across to Iowa.
Dean and Judy Abels of Papillion have come down to all three of the Farmers Markets this year so far, always coming for the fresh garden produce. “Our kids even give us their shopping list when they can’t come along,” said Judy while holding bags of goods. “Omaha is just a really neat city,” she added.
Kelly Robinson, co-owner of the Urban Wine Company is already familiar with downtown’s offerings, and has also been no stranger to the Saturday Farmers Markets.“We come down every week for vegetables,” she said, accompanied by her son, who she said “never objects” to coming down. Considering there are usually kid centered booths at the market as well each week, including a guy making animal balloons; kids and even dogs are a mainstay downtown every Saturday.
Even out of town visitors have enjoyed the Omaha Farmers Market, including Terri Emanuel of Golden, Colorado, who was in town visiting her daughter, Creighton student Kathleen Emanuel. “If we had this many people down at ours in Colorado the Farmers Market would be overwhelmed,” said Terri. “This is wonderful and I am excited to check out all that it has to offer. This was also the first time for Kathleen to come down to the market, although she was familiar with the Old Market as she frequents the area as a local student. “I just love coming downtown for whatever the offering,” said Kathleen.
Greg Vacek of West Omaha has been coming downtown and to the Farmers Market for many years, and never leaves without bags of fresh vegetables for the week. “I foresee coming down a lot more, especially with how much there is to see and do each Saturday,” said Vacek. “I am pleasantly surprised each week.”
Littleton and Ann Alston of Dundee hope that the large crowds each week will then cause the farmers market to grow even more. “I wish it were bigger even, as there is obviously enough people to fill the stalls,” said Littleton, “Just look at the people.” “I come for the peonies every week…and the people watching.”
For more information on the Omaha Farmers Market, visit www.omahafarmersmarket.com
