The annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration is a national event honoring the role of farmers markets around the country. The 16th edition of the contest, run by American Farmland Trust, took place from June 1 to July 31 and included entries from 1,500 markets nationwide. After more than 97,000 votes, the Top 5 farmers markets have been selected, with the Mount Washington Farmers Market in Kentucky taking the highest honors.
“America’s farmers markets serve as anchors of communities from coast to coast, providing access to fresh, healthy food and helping communities develop relationships directly with farmers,” said John Piotti, American Farmland Trust President and CEO. “Once again, this year, AFT is proud of the value the celebration lends to the nation’s farmers markets, helping them secure new sponsorships, vendors, and shoppers. On behalf of everyone at American Farmland Trust, congratulations to all the national, regional, and state winners!”
Since 2008, the celebration has highlighted the key role farmers markets play in American communities and our larger food system. Farmers markets are on the leading edge of educating consumers about where food comes from and reinforce AFT’s message of No Farms No Food. For the first time in the contest’s history, AFT members staffed 18 markets across the five designated regions.
National winners were awarded $5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth and $250 for fifth place. These funds are awarded to markets for marketing, communications and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact.
Here are the national winners:
FIRST: Mount Washington Farmers Market, Mount Washington, Kentucky
The City of Mt. Washington is extremely proud and honored for our Farmers Market to be voted #1 in the nation. Winning means the opportunity to expand our market with the help of the money and recognition we will be receiving. Our team works tirelessly to get our community involved with our Farmers Market which directly helps to support our local farmers. We are eager to see what our future holds. — Erica Mercer, Market Manager, Mount Washington Farmers Market
SECOND: McKinney Farmers Market, McKinney, Texas
The McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Heritage Village is honored to receive the #1 Farmers Market in Texas and the Southwest as well as 2nd in the nation. We love and cherish our community and the Farmers Market is a beautiful reflection of what brings us together. Every Saturday thousands of people come together to celebrate buying locally, honoring our vendors, and showcasing that all are welcome in beautiful downtown historic McKinney. Thank you for this amazing honor, it is one we hold with tremendous pride and share with the amazing individuals who pour their hearts into making the McKinney Farmers Market a success each week. — DeAnna Stone, Executive Director of McKinney Farmers Market
THIRD: Midtown Farmers Market, Sacramento, California
We’re incredibly honored our community has voted the Midtown Farmers Market as No. 1 in California and No. 3 in the nation. Taking the top spot is especially rewarding for our dedicated staff who are passionate and work so hard to make it happen every week. Ever evolving, our Midtown Farmers Market has its own unique vibe due to all the amazing farmers, talented creatives, culinary artists, and imaginative and innovative vendors who show up and share their offerings with a community hungry to experience and enjoy every Saturday, year-round. — Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director of Midtown Association (organization that runs Midtown Farmers Market
FOURTH: Brookfield Farmers Market, Brookfield, Illinois
We are overjoyed and immensely grateful for the recognition our local market has received through your esteemed awards. This honor is not only a nod to our market’s vibrant presence but also shines a light on the incredible support we’ve garnered from our community over the past seventeen years. Our growth and success are testaments to the dedication of our local farmers, artisans, bakers, and vendors, and the unwavering support of our patrons. Thank you, American Farmland Trust for providing a platform that celebrates and uplifts our collective efforts. — Gina Sharenow, Market Manager, Brookfield Farmers Market
FIFTH: Troy Farmers Market, Troy, New York
The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is excited to have received recognition in America’s Farmers Market Celebration. Now in our 25th season, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is a producer-only market with more than 100 vendors that operates every Saturday, year round. In the summer, we create a bustling open air, car-free, urban street market that sprawls throughout six historic city blocks that you may recognize as the filming location for HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age.’ In the winter, we move indoors and continue to provide the community with fresh locally produced food. We thank our local community for supporting us and we hope this recognition will inspire even more people to come for a visit. — Melanie O’Malley, President, Troy Waterfront Farmers Market
