It was sunny and 82 degrees outside.  A breeze was coming off the lake and it was the day before a holiday.  July 3, 2024 might have been the perfect summer day to visit the Big Lake Farmers Market.  For Dave and Joan Roberts of Big Lake it was, but then again, every day is the perfect day to be at the Farmers Market.

“We love it here.  We see people we know.  Everyone is so polite,” said Dave.  Dave had taken the day off from his heating and air conditioning business to get out and he didn’t leave empty handed.  “We just about bought something from every booth.”

A Summer Experience

The booths were many, selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, eggs, beef, chicken, preserves and sauces, baked goods and so much more.  Shoppers could find products that were “homemade and home grown”.  Those are two of the requirements for vendors according to Corrie Scott, Recreation and Communication Coordinator for Big Lake.  The vendors were also local which makes shopping at the Farmers Market a unique experience.  The city even offers free parking on Wednesdays.  

“We want to encourage people to make a day of it,” explained Scott.  “Come for food and fun and then go to the beach.”  

The market has live music, a local food truck, mini donuts, and one or two kid’s activities scheduled throughout the day.  

Safe Roads

This Wednesday, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Department, was hosting a Safe Roads Coalition event.  Big Lake Police Officers and members of the SCSD joined Deputy Geoff Dowty, Safe Roads Coordinator for Sherburne County to demonstrate how alcohol or marijuana affects your driving.  People had the opportunity to get on a pedal car and wear fatal vision goggles that show the effects of impaired driving.  

Sam Norlin of the BLPD was off duty and visiting the Farmer’s market with his family.  He took time to demonstrate how the goggles and pedal bikes worked as his fellow officers watched.  Going through an obstacle course, you could see that he was not driving his best as noted by his co-workers.

More Information

Information about the vendors, events, music, and programs that occur at the Farmers Market can be found on the city’s website (https://www.biglakemn.org/350/Farmers-Market).  The market also has dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages.  

The market is open all summer on Wednesdays, June-August from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. and from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. in September.