Ames Downtown Farmers' Market

The Ames Downtown Farmers' Market is celebrating it's first birthday as an inside year around market. My having a year around market it doesn't give the vendors a break like a outdoor market does. The big advantage is it gives vendors a market for their products all year long. As produce vendors we strive to make our seasons longer to have more products to sell. By having an indoor market it makes it more challenging to have produce available for many more weeks. It is more like a business that goes continually rather than a sesonal business. 

We are very happy with our indoor market. Although vendors do not have to be present the days the market is open they are encouraged to be present to promote their products.  Some vendors can not be present so this allows them a market to sell their products. This type market is very good for the non produce vendors to sell thier wares. This has opened up a wide range of products. We not only sell produce but, baked goods, jams & jellies, soaps, ceramics, goat meat, pork, ice cream, honey, many crafts,  towels and other home sewn products, jewelry, and many other items. All these products are locally grown or made by the vendor. 

As Farmers' Markets continue to expand and grow we feel we are a leader by opening a year around market. In the summer we have the outdoor market next to this market making it one market. We are privelaged to be located in the old train depot. This location is not only where the Ames Farmers' Market started 35 years ago, but it provides us with a nostalgic atmostphere and a roof over our head for protection from the hot sun and the rains in the summer.

We continually look for new vendors that offer additional locally produced products. We invite any vendor interested in either selling outdoors in the summer or indoors all year to contact us or check out our web site for more information. The demand to buy local will only continue to grow.