Pulling into the parking lot with the windows down, searching for that impossible spot, the music and distant chatter of a crowd reach for your attention. The Farmers Market of the Ozarks is set up for Saturday morning and afternoon with food trucks, flowers, local meats, pottery and so much more.

Vendors of all trades and talents

Media manager, Ameran Link, has worked at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks for a little over six months now.

“I heard about it through someone who knew my experience with content creation and media management,” Link said. “I do several things. Most importantly, I work with the social media and marketing aspects. I also literally work on market days to make sure everything goes smoothly with the vendors and customers.”

Her favorite part of her job is getting to know the different vendors and learning about their talents and trades.

“It’s really impressive what people can grow and craft, and I love hearing about it. I guess if I had a least favorite part it would be getting to market at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday,” she said.

Springfield has a unique community within its city limits. Link explained how the Farmers Market of the Ozarks has helped shape it.

“I think the [farmers] market is so important to a community. In Springfield, it’s a community connector. We just don’t have communities as we used to anymore, and this helps to reignite that energy. Neighbors, friends and strangers come together to shop and have an all around good time,” she said.

Link believes that by supporting the community, it brings out Springfield’s best self.

“When you put money back into our local economy it helps farmers, bakers, brewers, artists and all the rest thrive. It feels good, and it’s the perfect way to support the community you live in,” she said.

Variety of vendors

The Pitch, a local business, supports Springfield’s community by advertising 4 By 4 Brewing Company and the various Farmer’s Markets in their restaurant. Photo by Kelli Volonte.

Link doesn’t have a favorite vendor, and how could she when there are so many different vendors at the market each week.

“Every weekend that I work is a new great memory. Right now we have flowers, meats, kombucha, beauty products, art, pottery, eggs, produce of all kinds, coffee, honey, spices, teas, food cooked fresh, and tons more! It’s wild how much you can get at market,” she explained.

Get your farmers market fix

Farmers Market of the Ozarks takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Farmers Park on 2144 E. Republic Rd. Starting in June and going through August, there will also be a market on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Farmers Park as well.

Greater Springfield Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.

Article by Kelli Volonte.