Lake Wales Farmers Market a Popular Bi-monthly Event Happening This Week

Imagine a place filled with the tantalizing aromas of fresh breads and flowers, the colors of fancy beadwork and bottles filled with bright liquids, and the sounds of friendly conversation and music. That's the Lake Wales Farmers Market in the downtown MarketPlace, where more than 40 vendors turn out to offer their latest creations, fresh produce, plants, baked goods, soy candles, and other goodies.

Held downtown for several years on the second and fourth Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the market attracts crowds of shoppers, many drawn to favorite stalls but stopping to browse along the way. During a recent visit LakeWalesNews.Net found a bustling level of activity. Some took advantage on the opportunity to walk dogs, and the wagging of tails accompanied the delighted giggles of the children clutching cookies and other treats.

Market Manager Lynn Greenfield has run the program for five years, after starting as a vendor in May of 2013. He has seen the market grow from a dozen vendors to a regular group of more than 40. "I've had as many as 59 vendors at the market during the season," he said.

The success of the market has led to other communities trying to recruit him. "This is the only market I do, because all these people are my friends and neighbors," he said. "This is my community, and where I choose to deal with the market. Its a beautiful venue, everybody is very friendly, and you go home with a smile on your face, It makes for a very rewarding day."

The next Market will happen November 13. "We won't have one on the second Saturday in December this year," Greenfield said, "because it falls on Christmas Day."