Longtime Farmers’ Market Manager To Be Honored In Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, WI— A longtime City of Brookfield Farmers’ Market manager will be honored with a proclamation from Mayor Steve Ponto and the Common Council on Tuesday.

Bobbi Harvey and her husband Bob were among the first volunteer managers when the market opened on June 8, 1991.

Patch reached out to Bobbi Harvey on Tuesday for comments.

Harvey was promoted to permanent market manager whose job it was to monitor the vendors and promote the market, the proclamation said.

“Bobbi [Harvey] has promoted local, sustainable agriculture, increased economic opportunities for small family farms and innovative food businesses, provided equitable access to wholesome food, and established a vibrant weekly gathering place for Brookfield residents,” the proclamation said.

She helped the market grow from 6 vendors in 1991 to 56 in 2021. Many of the farmers have sold at the market for well over 10 years, the proclamation said.

During the pandemic, Harvey relocated the market to the front lot of Brookfield Central High School provided ample space for adequate distancing of vendor booths and customers, the proclamation said.

She also included handwashing stations and signs about preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“The Mayor and the Common Council of the City of Brookfield do hereby commend Bobbi Harvey for her diligent and creative efforts that have made the Brookfield Farmer’s Market so successful, express appreciation for the contribution she has made to the civic life of the City of Brookfield and wish her continued success as market manager," the proclamation said.