Farmers Market Moves Into The Friendly Confines Of Penn Central Mall
The taste of summer 2018 may be over at the farmers market now, but the winter-time treats, jams, jellies and other fine goods, are still available through March at the Winter Farmers Market held monthly inside Penn Central Mall.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – There was snow on the ground and the temps were barely over 20 degrees, but it was warm inside Penn Central Mall on Saturday morning, and the winter version of the Farmers Market was underway.
Five Points Heritage Farm was on hand with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and many of the other tastes of summer. Unfortunately for area residents who love the fresh vegetables of summer, this was the last opportunity. With temperatures dropping so low, their greenhouse got too cold, marking the end of the 2018 growing season.
The 2019 produce will be planted around mid-March.
Colleen Platt was one of the several vendors who participate exclusively in the winter farmers market.
Traffic was steady, and she says she does a pretty good job of staying busy and selling her baked goods and other crafts. “I offer free samples,” says Platt, as a pair of customers stop for their samples.
The winters farmers market is held on the second Saturday of each month, with December 8th being the next one. March will be the last month for the winters farmers market.
Penn Central Mall Manager Mike Gipple says that the market is “very valuable”, and they enjoy hosting as a way to help keep shoppers looking for the market year-round. “We think it’s important as a mall to be able to offer that as a 12-month opportunity for our community.”
The other months are hosted on the square in downtown Oskaloosa.
Even though the fresh produce is more than likely done for the season now, Gipple says it’s an opportunity for the bakers, with their jellies, jams, cookies, breads, pies, “whatever they make, that will still be here.”
If you are interested in being a part of the winters farmers market, you can reach out to Gipple at Penn Central Mall to learn more. Their phone number is 641.673-9414.
