Shreveport Farmers' Market Opens for 2013 Season

Popular Saturday and Tuesday markets return with more than 150 booths, June 1-August 31

The 2013 season of Shreveport Farmers’ Market will open on Saturday, June 1, with more than 150 booths of locally-grown produce, meat, honey, and plants as well as delicious artisan food products, arts and crafts, and Market Café. On Saturdays, the farmers’ market takes place in Festival Plaza on Crockett Street, from Market Street to Commerce Street in downtown Shreveport. On Tuesdays, a smaller market will be held on the east end of Festival Plaza, 3-6 p.m. The Saturday market takes place, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., June 1-August 31, with the exception of June 22. The Shreveport Farmers' Market is thought to be one of the fastest-growing markets in the southern United States, having grown from 2,000 attendees on opening day in 2008 to more than 12,000 attendees on opening day in 2012.

With many new vendors and a new market layout, shoppers are urged to explore all sections of the market. This year, Market Café will be located in the tent adjacent to the East Pavilion, with a live band, and ready-to-eat cuisine ranging from beignets to East African specialties. The East Pavilion will house 86 vendors. An Artists Alley will feature artists working on their wares, including spinning locally-grown alpaca fibers and throwing pots. Food Row is a new feature on the west side that is home to a variety of dairy foods; blanched, frozen vegetables; ethically-produced meats; as well as food trucks. In addition to the vendors, the West Pavilion will host various demonstrations, as well as bluegrass band The Blanchard Jammers on the second Saturday of each month. The gazebo on the west side will present fun activities for kids to learn about food, and occasionally taste new things, in conjunction with HGIO – Healthy, Green, and Into the Outdoors.

This year, Shreveport Farmers’ Market will accept SNAP (formerly food stamp) Benefits. Shoppers wanting to take advantage of the program will slide their cards at The Tower, located on the west side of the market, and their benefits will be converted to tokens with which they may use to shop at participating vendors. Some vendors also accept WIC and Senior Nutrition Food Program vouchers. There is also an ATM on site.

Parking is available at metered spaces which are free on Saturday on nearby streets, as well as in various public and pay lots nearby. Admission to Shreveport Farmers' Market is free.

For more information, visit www.shreveportfarmersmarket.com, or “like” Shreveport Farmers’ Market on Facebook for updates. Those with questions may also call 318-455-5788, or email to farmersmarket@redriverrevel.com. Shreveport Farmers’ Market is a project of Red River Revel Arts Festival, and is sponsored by Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport, and the City of Shreveport.