Over twenty years ago, the Wake Forest Farmers Market was founded with the goal of bringing local, sustainably produced foods to the area. Today, small businesses from all over North Carolina bring their produce and services to Downtown Wake Forest as market vendors year-round and welcome a variety of shoppers looking for commodities from fresh produce to friendly conversation.
The main focus of the Wake Forest Farmers Market is to provide the Wake Forest Community with sustainably sourced goods and accessible services. Michelle Fryman, the manager of Wake Forest Farmers Market, helps to ensure that consumers don’t have to doubt the source of their purchases.
“We are a produce-only market, which means that to sell something at the market, you have to make it or raise it,” Fryman said.
This feature of the market not only helps customers but also benefits sustainable farmers who are selling their goods. Katy Vieto, owner of Many Hands Farm and a vendor at the Wake Forest Farmers Market, appreciates the policies in place at the market and the opportunities it has given her business, compared to other markets.
“We were looking for a Farmers Market that only allowed farmers to sell what they grew,” Vieto said. “It was a really big deal for us because people come to the market and expect to buy from farmers, but if you don’t ask, that’s not what you’re doing at a lot of farmers markets.”
Sustainability is a magnet for many customers who want to avoid processed and chemical-filled products at grocery stores. The Wake Forest Farmers Market allows them to be confident of the sources of their foods, stay healthy and support small businesses at the same time.
“A lot of our customers come with their grocery lists – we are their grocery store,” Vieto said. “We know that certain customers won’t miss a week…because this is the only way they get their food.”
The Wake Forest Farmers Market not only brings sustainability to the community but also brings the community to the market. Along with being open every Saturday throughout the year, they also host special events around holidays and contribute to the welfare of the community.
“We invite the fire department, and we’ll do blood drives, and we’ll invite the police station to come in,” Fryman said. “We try to represent the community.”
Customers don’t just love community events and sustainability. The atmosphere of the market is undoubtedly open and welcoming. Long-time customer Kelly Kreel speaks on her frequent visits to the market after its opening.
“Honestly, I just love browsing,” Kreel said. “I go there to buy, but I love seeing the stands set up, everything bright and fresh. It’s probably my favorite part.”
Customers aren’t the only ones who enjoy the atmosphere of the market. Vendors support each other’s businesses, contributing greatly to the market’s growth and giving them community connections. Mike “The Knife” Ebert, a knife and tool sharpener at the Wake Forest Farmers Market, enjoys the business and community there.
“We support each other and our businesses,” Ebert said. “I usually get a cup of coffee from the latte vendor and I’ll get some farm goods there too. They’ll bring me their stuff to get sharpened up—it’s a symbiotic thing.”
But though many love the market, it is still a little-known gem in the community. Overshadowed by large grocery stores and nationwide businesses, they try their best to spread the news about the good things that can be found there.
“The biggest challenge is making sure that everyone in the community knows that we are there,” Fryman said.
Overall, the Wake Forest Farmers Market is a perfect place for small businesses to sell hand-made and -raised products, and for customers to enjoy organic produce and the general ambiance. For anyone looking to support local farmers and businesses, this farmers market should be their first stop.
“It’s such a good feeling to go out to the local market,” Kreel said. “The sights, the smells, the sounds, supporting the businesses, buying really good, local, handmade treats—it’s a great community feel.”
