Supporting the honest, hard workers in the agriculture field alongside local businesses, while building a better sense of community, has always been important to Independence Bank.
The Franklin County Farmer’s Market, located in historic downtown Frankfort, is a natural fit.
As visitors walk through the Market, there is certainly no shortage of fresh produce, eggs, breads, meats, jams and salsa, cheese, soap, plants and more that are all locally produced.
Winter Markets, which have now wrapped up, were hosted every other Saturday from January to mid-April.
Returning in 2022, the regular season Market kicked off on Saturday, April 23. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, they offer both in-person and pre-order options. The Markets website and Facebook page are updated regularly to keep the community informed of operating hours and special events.
“Our number one mission is to create a space where local growers and producers can sell their goods which, in turn, allows them to put food on the table for their own families,” Market Manager Kellie Sebastian explained. “Additionally, we are intentional in our efforts in making fresh food available for everyone — regardless of their income or financial situation.”
With more than two dozen vendors, such as Happy Jack’s Pumpkin and Produce, there are a variety of options for attendees. In addition to its famous pumpkins later in the year, it also produces many fruits and vegetables during the growing season, such as tomatoes, peaches and cream sweet corn, green beans, summer squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, winter squash, peppers, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, okra, eggplant, cucumbers and a variety of potatoes.
As the top ag lender in Kentucky, Independence Bank has a long-standing history of support for this industry, which contributes more than $1 trillion to the United States economy every year.
“The Market is an excellent resource that we are fortunate to have,” Independence Bank President Greg Burton shared. “Even two years after the coronavirus pandemic began to rapidly spread across our country, we continue to see the impact of shipping goods and services from a distance. We see this Market as a way to strengthen sustainability and secure nutritious food items without relying on major grocery retailers.”
There is no cost for admission and all ages are invited to shop at the booths.
As a way to incorporate our youth, Independence Bank has proudly sponsored Kids’ Day at the Market, which has attractions for children such as activities, craft making and $1 for each child to shop for Market fruits and veggies.
The Market Pavilion at River View Park can be found at 404 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort, Kentucky, or by phone at 502-330-9600.
Additional information, including for those who may be interested in becoming a vendor, is posted online at franklincountyfarmersmarket.org.
