Writer / Janet C. Striebel
Soon we will have the privilege to shop for a vast array of fresh garden produce that is locally grown and brought to our convenience. Our summer cookouts wouldn’t be complete without the heavenly tastes of sweet corn on the cob, plump red tomatoes, or luscious fragrant raspberries and strawberries. The Binford Farmers Market, previously located off 62nd and Binford, will now operate at Lawrence North High School for its second season.
“The Binford Farmers Market is a great addition to all of the wonderful things occurring at Lawrence North High School,” said Brett Crousore, principal at Lawrence North. “We welcome this partnership. The vendors are wonderful and the people of the community benefit from this great location.”
Since 2006, the Binford Farmers Market has been in existence as a leader in the growth of locally sourced food in Central Indiana. This wonderful market offers more than deluxe fruits and vegetables grown by local farms and nurseries. It features goods specially prepared from more than 130 Indiana vendors such as bakeries, wineries, meat and fish vendors, cheese makers, specialty food products and handmade artisan crafts.
“What makes this market so unique is that it is run by a group of volunteers,” said Kas Vargo, president of Binford Redevelopment & Growth (BRAG), a neighborhood organization. “Most farmers’ markets are usually run by the city or a non-profit, but the Binford Market is run by neighborhoods. Many may not realize that we rely on the funds by contributions from area residents and businesses.”
In fact, BRAG has recently raised funds to build a storage barn at Lawrence North High School so that volunteers and vendors will no longer have to cross Hague Road to transport supplies and equipment.
“We’re celebrating our 10 year anniversary,” said Vargo. “We started in 2005 with a small group to help bring more businesses to 71/Binford area. We now have over 50 businesses and over 800 new jobs available.”
The Binford Farmers Market offers a huge selection of certified naturally sustainably-grown agriculture such as lettuce mixes including kale and spinach; fruits and vegetables like asparagus, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, apples, pears, squash, pumpkins, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Also, there are humanely-treated meats available including beef, lamb, chicken and pork. In addition, the locally produced products exude the most appetizing sights and aromas featuring different coffees, chocolates, pastas, breads, cakes and pies.
“You can talk to the farmers who are growing your food,” said Kahfii King, Binford Farmers Market manager. “You’re building community and relationships with the people who produce your food. It’s a special experience you can’t get at the grocery store. Furthermore, you’re helping to support the local economy instead of sending your dollars out of your region.”
You won’t want to miss Artisan Weekend, which will take place every second weekend of the month. Shoppers can browse the large variety of crafts such as soaps, greeting cards, knitwear, jewelry, kitchenware, candles and so much more.
To help fund this valuable BRAG initiative The Binford Farmers Market, go to binford71.org and look for the “Support BRAG” tab.
