Ames Main Street Farmers' Market Opens Saturday

After a successful trial run vendors are back for a full six month season. The inaugural market opens 8 a.m. Saturday on downtown main street near Tom Evans Plaza.

More than 30 vendors will offer fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts, prepared foods, wine and more from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 27. They set up booths along Main Street's shopping district closing down the road for the morning.

In addition to food, the farmers market will return with entertainment including live music, and a kid's zone sponsored by the Young Professionals of Ames of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. The group hosts the children's activities along with a non-profit group each weekend.

The first market of the season will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. And the first 100 people who shop at the market will receive a free Ames Main Street Farmers' Market canvas shopping bag, also available for $5 each, said Tom Drenthe, of Main Street Cultural District and the market's manager.

This week's live music will be provided by Jim Danger Coppoc and his wife Jen McClung Coppoc and Mark Hagley. Performances take place on the street and Tom Evans Plaza starting at 9 a.m.

New this year will be visits from the 's book mobile and cooking demonstrations. Tasteful Dinners from Ankeny will make purchases from vendors early in the morning and then show people how to prepare the items starting at 10 a.m. The first cooking demonstration is set for May 12.

Drenthe said the market will also pass out magnets with a schedule of when shoppers can expect which fresh produce at the market.