Our Story

Rooted in Community Since 1982

The Emporia Farmers Market has been bringing local growers, makers, bakers, and neighbors together for more than 40 years.

What began in 1982 with just a dozen vendors and under $5,000 in annual sales has grown into one of Emporia’s most beloved community traditions—supporting local agriculture, small businesses, food accessibility, and community connection throughout the Flint Hills region.

Today, the market serves as a vibrant downtown gathering space where visitors can shop fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, flowers, specialty foods, and artisan products directly from the people who grow and create them.

A Market Built by Local Vendors

From the beginning, the market was created to provide local farmers, backyard gardeners, and artisans with a place to share their hard work and talents with the community.

The market remains proudly vendor-produced, meaning products are grown, raised, baked, or handcrafted by the vendors themselves whenever possible.

Over the years, the market has expanded to include:

Seasonal outdoor markets
Indoor winter markets
Live music and special events
Food assistance programs
Community activities
Educational opportunities
Support for dozens of local small businesses and growers

What has never changed is the market’s commitment to community, local food systems, and creating a welcoming place for people to gather.

Growing Alongside Emporia

Located in the heart of historic downtown Emporia, the market has evolved alongside the community it serves.

Since its founding, the market has operated in several locations before settling into its longtime downtown home near 7th Avenue and Merchant Street.

As the market grew, so did its impact. The market continues to adapt and grow while staying true to its mission of supporting local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community connection.

1986

The market found its current location and began to see an increase in vendor participation.

2010

Winter indoor markets were added to extend the season and support vendors year-round.

2012

Annual collective vendor sales surpassed $100,000.

2015

A record-breaking 70 vendors participated in 63 markets this year.

Fresh Food for Everyone

One of the market’s longest-standing priorities has been improving access to fresh, local, affordable food for the community.

The market proudly participates in programs including:

SNAP/EBT
Double Up Food Bucks
Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP)

These programs help ensure that families, seniors, and community members of all backgrounds can access healthy, locally grown food while supporting local vendors.

More Than a Market

The Emporia Farmers Market is more than a place to shop. It’s:

A Saturday morning tradition

A space for community connection

A platform for small business

A gathering place for families and neighbors

A celebration of local creativity & agriculture

Whether you’re visiting for fresh produce, handmade goods, live music, flowers, or simply the atmosphere, the market exists because of the people who continue to show up week after week to support local.

Looking Ahead

As the market continues to grow, our focus remains the same:

supporting local vendors
strengthening the regional food system
creating accessible shopping opportunities
fostering community connection
preserving the welcoming spirit that has defined the market for generations

We’re proud of where we’ve been—and excited for where we’re going next.

We are Proud Members of the following: