Reviews for: Overland Park Farmers' Market

I agree with all of the positive comments that have been made about our local Farmers Market. It is a shame that the powers that be have made the decision to drive customers away, rather than encourage customers to attend. I read the letter that was sent to those that were not granted a permit, and it says absolutely NOTHING!! I think that it is time for the public ( us ) to demand a full accounting as to why the permits weren't approved. That shouldn't be a problem, if the reason is a valid one. Doug

I've patronized this market for years, especially those local farmers who grow their own produce. ...not the ones who just buy from the same middle man as the big stores do and bring their "so called" local produce in Delmonte boxes.

I couldn't believe that the Overland Park Downtown Partnership (which has a contract from the mayor and city council) gave some of the best farmer/vendors the boot this year. I was so disappointed by it, I actually asked to see the letter explaining why after 21 years as a major local producer of leaf lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, spinach, squash, new potatoes, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe, George and Betty Dragush were told they could no longer participate. The letter said exactly this:

Dear George: "The goal of the Overland Park Farmer's Market is to create a superior quality of life for area citizens, provide a sales outlet for our vendors , and generate an increase in retail traffic and exposure for downtown merchants.

In doing so, it is paramount that Downtown Overland Park Partnership staff and farmers' market committee members ensure the longevity and vitality of the market. In going forward a transition is necessary in order to meet the expectations and interests of today's consumer.

We appreciate your interest in the 2010 market but are unable to grant your request for participation as a vendor. We appreciate your past participation and welcome you to apply in the future. We wish you much success. Enclosed is your check."

It was signed by Kate Maricle and Robin Fish of the Overland Park Partnership with copies to Mayor Gerlach, the City Council and various other OP board members.

I ask you, what kind of gobble-dee-gook is that? The Dragushes are a wonderful, hard working couple in their 70's who farm over 20 acres locally and provide superb produce at low prices and after 21 years this is their rejection letter they get? If these people don't qualify for the "farmer's market" who the heck does?

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that none of the four people on the "Farmer's Market Committee" are farmers?

The Dragush's contend they were booted because they refused to "raise" prices, something the market managers (Maricle and Fish) were trying to insist they do. Is this how the Overland Park Partnership provides a "superior quality of life for the Overland Park citizens" by trying to make us pay more for our produce. Seems some of the other vendors might not have liked Dragush's low prices.

This is OUTRAGEOUS. IMHO it is the people at the Overland Park Partnership that should be given the boot. These good farmers who relied upon this venue to sell their produce are currently left to struggle to find a suitable place to sell their produce. The citizens of Overland Park should insist that the Dragushes and the other local farmers who were unfairly removed from the approved vendor list be reinstated immediately!

This was also my favorite farmer's market, nearby and lots of great produce. Blue Valley is too far for me on a regular basis so I'll probably check out the Meriam market. The KC Star interview with one of the farmers invited not to return indicated that he would be selling in Meriam.

I was very disappointed to hear on the local news tonight that our local area farmers have not been invited back to sell their produce at the Overland Park Farmer's Market. I have been a customer of this market for many years and it has been a rare Saturday that my wife and I don't visit the market and buy produce from these vendors. We will cease coming to this market and find other farmer's markets in the area to spend our money.

I am disappointed in the gentrification of this market. From the large crowds of people who regularly visited this market over past years, I believe it is very misguided to convert it's primary emphasis from being a true "farmer's market".

If anyone observing this posting can tell me which farmer's markets the local farmers who previously sold produce at this market are now selling their produce, please post a message to this site.

I was at the opening day today, and those in charge of the market have rejected numerous local farmers who have been vendors here for years, opting instead for deck furniture, hot-house raised flowers, olives from Italy, etc. There were many vendors selling non-local items. This is no longer a Farmers Market. It does not connect shoppers with local farmers. A real disappointment. I'm switching to the Merriam Farmers Market!

It is every Saturday and Wednesday with live music, several venders and within close walking distance of resturaunts and cafes that use the local produce found at the farmers market. Lovely and fun.

They always have a great selection of in season fruits, veggies and herbs plus lots of local all-natural businesses to support. I go every week!

The vendors always have the freshest, tastiest produce and they are more than happy to talk about what they have, where it came from, and usually let you try before you buy. It's a great place to hang out with friends, take the kids, and feel like part of the community!

The OP market has a great selection and a very relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. You don't have to be there at the break of dawn to get a good selection. My kids love going too.

They display their produce in an appealing and fresh way. Every product I have purchased there is always fresh and good.

The quality of the farmer's products and the friendliness of staff and venders make Wednesday and Saturday a must stop for me.

I love eating fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies, and this market has the best!

I love that is is small but packed with people from all walks of life and as colorful as the veggies and fruit. I came home from shopping and am making a fresh cherry pie, basil pesto and mini yellow squash and tomoto cucmber salad in olive oil- inspired by my delicious finds this morning!!

Always buy on Sat. and some Wed. from Organic Farmers - Kathy and twin sister Vicki - the BEST Green Heirloom salad mix and Arugula Lettuces and Beets and Heirloom Tomatoes - Pesticide Free and Organic - you will ever eat - I have been a customer since moving back here 3 years now - am always sad when market season comes to an end...Support Local - It's the Green Thing To Do!!!

It's simple,I love the fresh locally grown produce,and the farmers who grow them.

Great, wholesome food, and great sellers offering the products of their hard work!

It is a down home feeling with all the Farmer's there with everything in the world to purchase. Everyone is talking and helping you decide what you want to purchase and a great price with the best vegetables, fruits, plants they even have booths set up for organic meat too.