The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is the talk of the town — but not for its sweet treats, but because of its big move. The Farmers Market moved locations on Saturday to 500 Washington Ave. to accommodate the construction of the new riverfront development.
“I think our customers and vendors were a little nervous and sad to leave our old location. It is a beautiful spot, and we will certainly miss it. However, last weekend was a success, and I think everyone sees that our new location is a great alternative,” said Kristi Pereira, Waco Downtown Farmers Market marketing manager.
The Farmers Market has become a staple on the weekends for Baylor University students and Waco residents.
Launched in November of 2011, the Farmers Market aimed, “To bring locally grown and produced goods to downtown Waco in order to support local farmers and artisans as well as to enrich the culture of our community,” the Downtown Waco Farmers Market website said.
As a common stop on Saturday mornings, the farmers market changing locations was not a positive change for some in the Waco community. Mixed reviews are coming from Baylor University students after finding out the farmers market had moved locations and knowing how long it could take to be completed.
“I’ve been coming to the farmers market since I was a freshman here at Baylor. It’s always a part of my weekend,” Highland Park senior Allison Schwartz said. “It’s sad that it moved because it’s definitely not the same farmers market, but maybe with time it will grow on me.”
Just the same as the original farmers market, there is free parking around the market and no entrance fee to enter in. The Farmers Market lasts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday and is a great place for family and friends to get together. It does not take away the entire day and allows people to come and go as they please.
“I’m excited for the new change happening with the farmers market. Waco is going through a huge ‘face-lift,’ and the farmers market is just another part of the growth in Waco,” South Bend, Ill., freshman Taylor Hylton said.
All vendors from the original location of the farmers market moved to the new location with the exception of Sergio. Pereira explained that the farmers market plans to grow and add new vendors as the months go on.
The plan for the Downtown Waco Farmers Market is to return to the original location once construction is complete, which Pereira said could potentially be 18 months or longer.
