By Mason Braasch | Photo courtesy Travel Wisconsin
One of the staples of summer in Madison — The Dane County Farmers’ Market (DCFM) — has returned to the Square after being held at Willow Island due to COVID-19 last year. The long-awaited return is sure to draw big crowds on Saturday mornings, so we’ve made your trip easy by rounding up five great local vendors to look for. (Note the DCFM also operates on Wednesdays, on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
Kingfisher Farms
This vendor from Argyle, Wisconsin, is new to the Square this year. Kingfisher Farms offers an assortment of colorful food options, including kimchi and sauerkraut, fresh vegetables and a variety of hot sauces. If you want to guarantee that your goodies will be available come Saturday, they also accept orders ahead of time. The sauerkraut is fresh, sharp and delicious, and the warm and helpful service is even better!
Marr Family Farm
If you’re planning your next summer steak dinner, stop by the Marr Family Farm Stand. The stand’s grass-fed, homegrown beef is raised on sustainably-farmed land, and is locally processed. Their extensive menu of different steaks, roasts, ground beef and jerkys is sure to please your taste buds with every bite.
ORIGIN Breads
New to the market this year, Origin Breads offers super flavorful specialty breads, pastries and delicious everyday sandwich loaves made from locally-sourced grain. Their small-batch sourdough is enough to make your mouth water, and their sweet Maple Pecan granola is an option for crunch-lovers.
The Bee Charmer
There’s no shortage of local honey suppliers at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, and Southern Wisconsin vendor, The Bee Charmer, is a great one to try. They specialize in raw, organic honey; candles; and beeswax — as well as fresh chicken eggs. Whether you’re looking for a natural remedy to allergies, a sweet treat, or something in between, The Bee Charmer is sure to have your taste buds buzzing.
SG Vang
Walking around the Square on Saturday mornings, there’s no doubt you’ll see dozens of people walking around with beautiful flower bouquets. While there are multiple vendors who specialize in fresh blooms, SG Vang is the perfect stand to stop at and grab your own. While you’re there, also pick from their arrangement of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, mint, asparagus and spinach.
The Saturday Dane County Farmers’ Market is open from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. around the Capitol Square. The 2023 outdoor season runs from April 15 to Nov 11. The Wednesday market runs from April 19 to Nov. 1 and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
