Despite an unclear future just months ago, the Noblesville Farmers Market will return this season to the same spot it has been for the past several years – the Riverview Health overflow parking lot on Conner Street at the intersection of Ind. 32 and Ind. 19.
“We’re fortunate to be back where we were,” Noblesville Main Street Executive Director Chris Owens said. “We did our due diligence of identifying five different areas (to hold the market).”
Owens said the 2014 market season ended with the understanding that Riverview Health had plans to develop the lot and Main Street would have to find a year placeholder before moving to its new location at Federal Hill.
“We are once again pleased to host the Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market in the area adjacent to the hospital,” stated Riverview Health CEO Pat Fox. “This event is a long-standing staple of Noblesville and we support anything that enables our community members to eat healthier, stay fit and live well.”
While the 2015 season is set, Owens said the future is still uncertain.
“We’ll see what happens with Federal Hill Commons,” Owens said, adding his is not sure if the west side gateway development will be ready for the 2016 season. “We don’t know the future. We’ll find out more towards the end of the market. This will help us figure out what the next steps are.”
Organized by Noblesville Main Street, the 2015 market season is May 9 through Oct. 17. The market is held from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, rain or shine.
The market is the oldest and largest in Hamilton County with more than 80 vendors offering farm-fresh homegrown fruits, vegetables, meats, plants, herbs, flowers, honey, spices, wine, jams, jellies, and salsas. Locally handmade items include baked goods, soaps, jewelry, artwork, quality crafts and pet products.
“We look forward to the opening week of the market and appreciate our partnership with Riverview Health,” Owens said.
Owens said this season will include live entertainment and the popular food court with lunch and breakfast choices.
In addition to the Saturday market, Main Street offers a Thursday Market in the urban park just east of the Noblesville Main Street, 839 Conner St. This European style market offers locally grown seasonal produce, ultra-fresh meals, small batch artisan foods, handcrafted products, high quality art and local live music every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. June 4 through Sept. 17.
Be a part
Registration will first be open to 2014 vendors through 4 p.m. March 16. Then registration applications will be open to all vendors online at http://noblesvillemainstreet.org. A market committee reviews all applications where locally grown and produced goods are emphasized. For more information, call 776-0205.
