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Farmers Market Magic
Omaha's cherished annual tradition set to open this weekend
We all have our favorite items — the ones that make the Omaha Farmers Market so magical on a personal level. Some go for the fresh green onions, some go for the crisp green beans, others for the ruby red tomatoes and other locally grown goodies. And some go for a cup of fresh-roasted java or a homemade doggy treat for that furry family member.
 Me, I go for the crunchy, ripe radishes (for radish sandwiches, with butter and salt, of course). My youngest daughter goes for the jewelry and the handmade crafts, like her beloved crocheted octopus she named Kelp (who now has seven-and-a-half legs after our puppy got a hold of it).
The point is, we all experience magic at the Omaha Farmers Market in different ways. But we all share in the excitement. That's what makes spring and summer Saturdays and Sundays at the Omaha Farmers Market so ... well, magical.
 Keeping open through Covid
And that's why it was such a HUGE deal last year. With the world disrupted in the wake of a global pandemic, and with so many families tragically affected, it was so reassuring and comforting to know that the Omaha Farmers Market would go on in some form last year. Yes, there were restrictions, and locations were slightly altered, but the market continued each weekend with success.
I visited nearly every weekend last year — far more than I traditionally do — because it was a morsel of normalcy that my family and I could hold onto as we trudged along with everyone else through the perils of the coronavirus.
New year, still with precautions
While much has changed for the better since last year, the Omaha Farmers Market — like every other aspect of our lives — still comes with precautions, and there are still some common-sense rules to follow beginning with this opening weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2.
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 Look, don't touch — When you go to the Omaha Farmers Market this year, please look and "touch" with your eyes, not with your hands. You don't want to eat food someone else has glad-handed and they don't want to eat food you've had your paws all over. That was true before COVID-19, but even more true now.
- Masks — Strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. It's just a courtesy thing now, and in situations where you might be in close proximity of others, do the right thing and mask up.
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Sampling — Sampling will be allowed this year, but may look at bit different.
 Locations, times — rain or shine — for 2021
For 2021, locations will be the same as last year, with the Old Market version situated on the south side of 11th and Jackson streets. Times are Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., through Oct. 9
The Sunday location will remain on Parking Lot 26 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Times are Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 10.
See the maps a few scrolls/swipes below for a visual.
A final request
My daughter has a basketball tournament this weekend, but I'm still going to be able to hit up the Sunday spread. However, I won't be able to make it down there until about 11-ish. So can you do me a kindness and leave me some radishes? I'm really looking forward to a fresh radish sandwich this weekend!
#farmersmarket2021
— Jim Minge, publisher of the Dispatch
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SATURDAYS
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
May 1 through
October 9
Old Market
11th and Jackson Streets
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SUNDAYS
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 2 through
October 10
Baxter Arena
Lot 26
2425 S. 67th St.
VISIT
OmahaFarmersMarket.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Life Is a Garden, Dig It
Working on a green thumb? Find help and starter plants at the Omaha Farmers Market
Ready to try your hand at growing your own veggies? Maybe a pretty flower bed? You'll find all sorts of experts at the Omaha Farmers Market who can help you get rolling and provide starter plants to give you a head start.
So, if you've been spending pandemic days watching online gardening videos, the Omaha Farmers Market vendors have you covered. Buying plants from local growers means knowing exactly what you are getting and having the chance to ask questions about the best growing conditions.
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What to Bring
A few items to consider for your trip to this year's Omaha Farmers Market
Consider bringing the following few items to the Omaha Farmers Market in order to make your trip to the Market safe and easy.
- Mask (HIGHLY ENCOURAGED)
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Cash (smaller bills suggested)
- Credit or debit card
- Containers to carry heavy objects, such as plants
- Wagon or cart
- Did we mention protective masks? BECAUSE THEY ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED
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A partnership with Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Extension has given OFM the opportunity to offer the DUFB Program, allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefits Transfer.
EBT Cards
EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card users have the opportunity to purchase SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) tokens AND double their dollars with double up food buck vouchers — up to $20!
Click HERE to see how the program works.
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Ride & Park
A bike valet awaits
You can hand your bicycle off to a TREK Bike valet at the Sunday Omaha Farmers Market at the Baxter Arena Parking Lot 26.
So if you want to pedal down the Keystone Trail, the bike valet will park your bike and watch over it while you're shopping at the market!
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The Main Attraction
Fresh, locally sourced food remains the focus
It's in the name, after all — "Farmers Market." Which means, the produce for sale at the Omaha Farmers Market is sourced from local, area farmers who grow and harvest the fresh yum-yums you'll see at the market each Saturday and Sunday.
Dozens of unique seasonal vendors will offer locally grown produce, flowers, herbs, bedding plants, meats, cheeses, breads, jams, jellies, specialty items (including crafts) and more. Vendors and offerings will rotate weekly to ensure that every market visit is special.
The Omaha Farmers Market is a “green market.” While you will find lots of fun gifts, delicious baked goods, honey, soap, coffee and meat, you will find even more veggies, fruit and plants.
In the early weeks, visitors can expect produce such as lettuce, herbs, rhubarb, spinach, asparagus, turnips and radishes to be available. Greenhouse-grown tomatoes are also an early season favorite.
What: Omaha Farmers Market
When/Where: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 1-Oct.9 at the Old Market, 11th and Jackson streets; and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m,, May 2 through Oct. 10 on Parking Lot 26 at Baxter Arena
Web: OmahaFarmersMarket.org
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Four-Legged Friends
Pups still need to stay home this year
Animals are not allowed (except for service animals) at this year's Omaha Farmers Market. That's a little ruff to hear for all you dog-lovers out there, but please be kind — the market staff is only trying to keep everyone and their animals safe.
On a positive note, there will be vendors selling homemade and natural treats that you can take home to your furry friends.
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Sights & Delights
You'll see all sorts of vibrant colors and aromas
at the Omaha Farmers Market in 2021
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Harvest Calendar
Know when your favorites will be at the Market
 Wondering when fresh cucumbers will arrive at the Omaha Farmers Market? Click HERE or on the calendar above to link to the Omaha Farmers Market Harvest Calendar at
OmahaFarmersMarket.org.
It has all the dates on when you can expect to see your favorite fresh produce at the market – from cabbage and peas, to tomatoes and watermelon.
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Night Market Returns
Popular Friday market at Turner Park is back
 If you missed the Friday fun-day mash-ups known as "Night Market" last year, time to celebrate! The Night Markets at Turner Park are back for 2021, with five select Fridays scheduled.
You'll find a marvelous mix of food, entertainment, vendors and games. This year's dates are:
- 6-10 p.m. July 16
- 6-10 p.m. July 30
- 6-10 p.m. August 13
- 6-10 p.m. August 27
- 6-10 p.m. Sept. 10
Interested in being a vendor at the Night Market? They are still accepting applications, which you can find at OmahaFarmersMarket.org HERE.
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Location, Location
Omaha Farmers Market 2021
Omaha Farmers Market, Old Market, 11th and Jackson streets
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, beginning May 1, through October 9
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Omaha Farmers Market, Baxter Arena, Lot 26, 2425 S. 67th St.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, Beginning May 2, through October 10
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The Omaha Farmers Market is managed by Omaha Public Market, Inc., a 501 (C)(6) not for profit organization and supported by Friends of the Omaha Farmers Market, a 501 (C)(3) not for profit organization.
The concept of an open-air market in downtown Omaha dates back nearly 100 years to the corner of 11th and Jackson Streets. This was the site of Omaha’s “City Market,” a popular market that local grocers relied on for their produce and fresh goods. The “City Market” closed in 1964, and the Omaha Farmers Market was established 30 years later in 1994 in the exact corner lot where the original market thrived. In 2010, another opportunity to buy fresh and shop local opened on Sundays in Aksarben Village.
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Partners and Supporters
The Omaha Farmers Market in the Old Market is presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored by KETV Channel 7, Sweet 98.5, Park Omaha, Security National Bank and the Sherwood Foundation.
The Omaha Farmers Market at Baxter Arena, across from Aksarben Village is presented by the University of Nebraska Omaha and sponsored by KETV Channel 7, Sweet 98.5, Security National Bank, The Sherwood Foundation and Physicians Mutual.
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 With 50,247 people (number of subscribers as of April 27, 2021
) receiving The Dispatch each week, we reach a significant number of the Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln area's young professionals - people who are active and on-the-go. love entertainment and like to buy things. If you would like to put your business or event in front of this highly sought-after audience, send me an email at:
jim@omahadispatch.com
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Omaha Dispatch, P.O. Box 24067 Omaha, NE 68124
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