Back on the square: Grundy Center Farmer's Market returns to familiar location

GRUNDY CENTER- Despite the challenges presented by both COVID-19 and the weather in recent weeks, the Grundy Center Farmer’s Market is back for the season and back to a familiar location on the east side of the courthouse square on Thursday nights from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

According to Grundy County Extension Director Shari Sell-Bakker, this year will feature several new vendors and some returning producers, and they will vary from week to week. The Grundy Center market is grower and bakers only, so everything is unique and local.

“It’s kind of a bonus that makes us very, very local to Grundy Center and Grundy County,” Sell-Bakker said.

On July 16, the Rock Around the Clocktower concert will return during the farmer’s market, and the Grundy Center Historical Society will debut a new baseball-themed display the same night. A second Rock Around the Clocktower will be hosted on August 20, and Sell-Bakker hopes to host at least one or two “family nights” with activities for children during the event.

The organizers remain mindful of the COVID situation and are working to ensure safety for those who do come to the farmer’s market. Sell-Bakker has consulted with Grundy County Public Health, and vendors are including disinfectant and hand washing stations while offering to bag products for customers to minimize contact.

“Everybody’s maintaining their social distance, and they seem pretty excited to have everything back up and going,” Sell-Bakker said. “Once we start having events, there might be a little more community caution, but for now it’s just a few tables set up down there. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of issue with just making sure that you maintain social distancing and be careful with what you’re doing.”

The farmer’s market is still accepting new vendors. For more information, follow the social media page or call the ISU extension office at (319) 824-6979.